Biotin Deficiency

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin, which is alternatively referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. It is a coenzyme, which means that it binds with protein, and it aids in metabolizing fatty acids and leucine. It also is integral in gluconeogenesis, a process used by the body in order to keep blood sugar from dropping to too low of a level.

Signs of a Biotin Deficiency

Signs of biotin deficiency can include the appearance of a facial rash, combined with an atypical distribution of facial fat. Biotin deficiency can be inherited and people who have this may display signs of an impaired immune system, including a higher susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Other signs of deficiency may include:

1) Hair loss
2) Conjunctivitis
3) Depression
4) Dermatitis
5) Numbness and Tingling of extremities

People Most at Risk of a Biotin Deficiency

There are a number of factors that may result in someone having a biotin deficiency. First, biotin deficiency is not very widespread or common, as it is produced in large quantities by bacteria located in the intestine.  However there are some individuals who may have an increased risk of having a biotin deficiency.

Alcoholics seem to have a higher incidence of biotin deficiency. Elderly people may also be at risk for biotin deficiency. Additionally, athletes or other people who push their bodies physically are at a higher risk. Other risk factors may include, pregnant and lactating women, those that have had a gastrectomy, those who have low levels of gastric acid in their stomach, epileptics, and people who smoke.

Pregnancy and Biotin Deficiency

Woman who are pregnant have a greater risk of biotin deficiency. This could be due to the fact that they are using higher levels of biotin. One study discovered that nearly half of women who were pregnant had an abnormal increase of a particular acid in the body that lowers the levels of biotin in the body.

Studies have found that biotin deficiency while pregnant could cause congenital malformations including cleft palate. Infants and embryos are more sensitive to biotin deficiency, therefore mothers who suffer from mild biotin deficiency could cause more serious consequences to their infant. No signs of symptoms of biotin deficiency may even be apparent to the mother.