Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Like other water-soluble vitamins, Vitamin B7/Biotin is not stored in the body for later use making a diet adequate in Vitamin B7/Biotin important. Along with dietary sources, healthy gut bacteria can also produce Vitamin B7/Biotin.
Vitamin B7/Biotin is often sold as a supplement for hair, skin and nail health but the evidence for this is weak and further studies are needed to confirm this benefit. Other areas of study using Vitamin B7/Biotin as a treatment of disease are in diabetes type 2, peripheral neuropathy. These studies also require further confirmation research.
Adequate Intake (AI) of Vitamin B7/Biotin has been established as 30 micrograms daily for adults 19 and older.
Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency include:
- Dermatitis around the eyes, nose and mouth
- Conjunctivitis
- Hair loss
- Changes in mental status
- Lethargy
- Hallucinations
- Myalgia
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Seizures
Vitamin B7/Biotin Deficiency is rare in developed countries as there are many food options that contain Vitamin B7/Biotin.
Food Sources of Vitamin B7/Biotin include:
- Liver
- Cooked eggs (raw egg whites can cause impaired absorption)
- Soybeans
- Yeast
- Beef
- Pork
- Salmon
- Avocados
- Sweet Potato
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Nut butters
- Legumes
- Mushrooms
- Bananas
- Cauliflower
Vitamin B7/Biotin may not be the hair, nail and skin miracle we have been made to believe but it is essential for our bodies ability to create energy from fat, carbohydrates and amino acids. Try out this list of foods and start getting in your adequate intake!
ENJOY!
Wondering what your vitamin levels are? Check out Rootine.
This article is for information purposes only. Always consult your treating physician prior to starting any new diet or supplement
References:
Overview of water-soluble vitamins. Pazirandeh et al. Uptodate.com. Accessed 2020
Biotin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Accessed 2020. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
Institute of Functional Medicine Fact Sheet. Micronutrients: Vitamins. Accessed 2020
Harvard School of Public Health. Biotin- Vitamin B7. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/Accessed 2020.