Vitamins: Vitamin B7 / B8 / H - Biotin Flashcards

1
Q

Vitamin B7/B8/H - Biotin

A
  • Biotin as a vitamin was discovered due to its deficiency state brought about by raw egg consumption (at about 30% of the diet for many weeks to years).
  • Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin which joins with biotin making it unabsorbable. Avidin is denatured by cooking
  • Biotin is an otherwise relatively stable B vitamin.
  • Widespread in foods but only in small amounts (micrograms) and also made by intestinal bacteria which is also absorbed into circulation
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2
Q

Food sources

A
  • Egg yolk
  • Yeast
  • Whole grains
  • Cauliflower
  • Sweet potato
  • Nuts
  • Meat
  • Oily fish
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3
Q

Gene regulation: functions and therapeutic uses

A
  • Functions:
    o Regulates gene expressions (E.g. modifies the activity of transcription factors) which are crucial from metabolism
    o Particularly supportive of rapidly regenerating tissues, e.g. skin, hair and nails
  • Therapeutic uses:
    o Dandruff
    o Brittle nails
    o Dry/brittle hair
    o Cradle
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4
Q

Blood sugar regulation: functions and therapeutic uses

A
  • Functions:
    o In combination with the mineral chromium, biotin has been shown to improve blood-glucose control (reducing HbA1c); i.e. 2 mg of biotin with 600 mcg of chromium
  • Therapeutic uses:
    o Diabetes mellitus
    o PCOS
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5
Q

Deficiency symptoms

A
  • Dermatitis
  • Dry scaly flaky skin (I.e. mouth and nose)
  • Smooth pale tongue
  • Hair thinning and loss
  • Depigmentation
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6
Q

Deficiency

A
  • Deficiency can occur in rare metabolic disorders (tested at birth), due to biotin deficient formula or tube feeding
  • Intestinal production can be reduced due to prolonged use of antibiotics
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7
Q

Absorption

A
  • A vegetarian diet may enhance biotin synthesis and absorption
  • Anticonvulsants drugs and alcohol may inhibit absorption.
  • Steroid hormones and anticonvulsants may hasten breakdown of biotin in tissues.
  • Biotin supplement interferes with the laboratory tests
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8
Q

Toxicity

A
  • It is considered part of the B vitamin complex and has no known toxicities
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9
Q

Vitamin B7/ B8/ H functions

A

Gene regulation
Blood sugar regulation

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