Biotin Side Effects

A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, Biotin is also known as vitamin H or B7 and is essential for the function of certain enzymes in the body. Biotin has been derived from the Greek word bios meaning life. It can be easily sourced from a variety of foods such as dry fruits, oats, eggs, cucumber, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, goat's and cow's milk, raspberries, strawberries, royal jelly and brewer's yeast. As the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin is very small; children between 5µg to 12µg, and adults between 20µg to 30µg, hence, deficiency is a rarity. However there are certain instances where biotin deficiency may occur. In such scenarios, biotin supplements are recommended. Before one intakes these dietary vitamin supplements, it is imperative to know and understand what biotin side effects, benefits and deficiency entails.

Biotin Benefits
One of the important vitamins listed under B-complex, biotin plays an important role in the upkeep of good health and promotes growth. Biotin acts as a carrier of carbon dioxide in the process known as the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). It aids in the conversion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy (glucose), increasing the body's metabolism. It helps to keep hair lustrous and in good healthy condition. Brittle nails and cradle cap can also be kept at bay with adequate biotin dosage in the body. It has proven to be extremely helpful for diabetics, and people suffering with high cholesterol and depression, as it helps to lower blood sugar levels and metabolize carbohydrates for energy conversion.

Biotin Deficiency
Biotin deficiency is a rare nutritional disorder caused by the deficiency of biotin, either due to inadequate dietary intake or as a result of other health related conditions. When the enzymes responsible for extracting biotin from the diet fall short of their capacity to do so, a deficiency can occur. Some medical studies indicate that a high consumption of egg white binds biotin with its proteins, leading to biotin deficiency. Prolonged intravenous feeding or an intake of antibiotics can also trigger a deficiency. Biotin deficiency symptoms include skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrhea, eczema, etc, loss of appetite, low metabolism and chronic fatigue, hair loss, dandruff and loss of hair color, insomnia, depression, drowsiness, hallucinations, muscle pain, etc.

Side Effects of Biotin
Very few side effects have been attributed to biotin. One of the main factors leading to biotin side effects is either excess or prolonged dosages. Very little evidence is available to prove that normal use results in side effects. A study conducted on pregnant rats, where they were subjected to extremely high doses of biotin, increased the probability of miscarriage as the size of placenta decreased. However, this test is not used as a benchmark for women. For more information read more on benefits and side effects of biotin.

Prolonged use in certain cases has resulted in occurrences of aggravation of skin infections and rashes. Biotin also has a reverse affect on blood sugar and insulin levels. It will reduce or decrease the levels of insulin in the body, while increasing blood sugar levels. Pregnant women, or sick people should pay special attention to this aspect of biotin vitamin side effect.

High dosage of biotin along with vitamin B5 can cause a life-threatening condition called eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion. This was found in one documented case, which was resolved once the patient stopped taking both; biotin and vitamin B5. What could not be understood was what triggered this fatal condition, whether it was biotin or vitamin B5 alone, their combination, or an another reaction in the body.

Biotin side effects are very rare, however, as a precautionary measure it is best to consult a doctor to determine deficiency and the correct dosage to ensure that one does not suffer any kind of complications in future.