Biotin
and Birth Defects
Recent research indicates that biotin
is broken down more rapidly during pregnancy and that biotin
nutritional status declines during the course of pregnancy.
In 6 out of 13 women studied biotin excretion dropped below
the normal range during late pregnancy, suggesting that
their biotin status was abnormally low. Approximately half
of pregnant women have abnormally high excretion of a metabolite
(3-hydroxyisovaleric acid) thought to reflect decreased
activity of a biotin-dependent enzyme. A recent study of
26 pregnant women found that biotin supplementation decreased
the excretion of this metabolite compared to placebo, suggesting
that marginal biotin deficiency is relatively common in
pregnancy. Although the level of biotin depletion was not
severe enough to cause symptoms, it was reason for concern
because subclinical biotin deficiency has been shown to
cause birth defects in several animal species. The potential
risk for biotin depletion makes it prudent to ensure adequate
biotin intake throughout pregnancy. Since pregnant women
are advised to consume supplemental folic acid prior to
and during pregnancy (see Folic Acid) to prevent neural
tube defects, it would be easy to consume supplemental biotin
(at least 30 mcg/day) in the form of a multivitamin that
also contains at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
Biotin
and Diabetes Mellitus
It has been
known for many years that overt biotin deficiency results
in impaired utilization of glucose. Blood biotin levels
were significantly lower in 43 patients with non-insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) than in non-diabetic
control subjects, and lower fasting blood glucose levels
were associated with higher blood biotin levels. After one
month of biotin supplementation (9 mg/day) fasting blood
glucose levels decreased by an average of 45%. Reductions
in blood glucose levels were also found in 7 insulin-dependent
diabetics after 1 week of supplementation with 16 mg of
biotin daily. Several mechanisms could explain the glucose-lowering
effect of biotin. As a cofactor of enzymes required for
fatty acid synthesis, biotin may increase the utilization
of glucose to synthesize fats. Biotin has been found to
stimulate glucokinase, an enzyme in the liver, resulting
in increased synthesis of glycogen, the storage form of
glucose. Biotin has also been found to stimulate the secretion
of insulin in the pancreas of rats, which also has the effect
of lowering blood glucose (16). An effect on cellular glucose
(GLUT) transporters is also currently under investigation.
Presently, studies of the effect of supplemental biotin
on blood glucose levels in humans are extremely limited,
but they highlight the need for further research.
About
Biotin Supplements
Severe biotin deficiency causes thinning
and eventual loss of hair; a scaly red rash around the eyes,
nose, and mouth; and nervous system problems such as lethargy,
depression, and hallucinations. Certain groups are at greater
risk: individuals who are on total intravenous (by the veins)
feedings without added biotin may develop biotin deficiency
facies, characterized by an unusual distribution of facial
fat along with a rash and hair loss. Chronic consumption
of raw egg whites can also cause biotin deficiency. (Many
athletes whom works out and eating egg whites for extra
protein should take extra Biotin supplements or multivitamin
supplements)
Low biotin levels have been seen in people
on long-term antibiotic therapy, or who take anticonvulsants,
which may increase the rate of biotin breakdown in the body
and interfere with biotin absorption.
Pregnancy may also increase biotin breakdown,
so extra vitamin supplements are required. Smokers and second
hand smokers are also likely to be deficient in Biotin and
other vitamins.
One of the supplement is proven in helping
Healthy Hair, Scalp and Nails. This supplement is Biotin
5mg from Country Life. It's Ingredients includes: Gelatin
(capsules shell) cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate.
No yeast, corn, wheat, soy, gluten, milk, salt, sugar, starch,
preservatives or artificial color. Studies have shown it
may helps in curing balding.
Click
here for Country Life Biotin 5mg
You may also consider taking a B-complex
vitamin or Multivitamin that contains all necessary B vitamins
to save all the trouble and avoid being overdose in particular
vitamin. We suggest the following two brand.
Click
here for Rainbow Light 40+ Complete Multivitamin
Click
here to purchase Twinlab B-Complex vitamins 100 Caps and
save!
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