Vitamin B7

Definition

Vitamin B7, otherwise known as biotin, is an important vitamin for processing and creating energy in the body. It does not actively get broken down like carbohydrates, proteins and fats do to create energy, rather, it helps allow these processes to happen.

Health considerations

Biotin deficiency is quite rare and is often only seen in people unable to absorb nutrients through their gut, those with very low protein intake, people receiving tube feeding or parenteral nutrition, and people taking anticonvulsant medication. Though, when deficiency does occur, symptoms include nausea, thinning hair, loss of hair color, red skin rashes, depression, lethargy, hallucinations, and tingling of the extremeties. To reverse these symptoms, people deficient in biotin are often asked to stop consuming raw egg whites as a protein in the egg white impairs biotin absorption. Otherwise, there has been no evidence of side effects from overconsumption of vitamin B7.

May be found in

Liver, egg yolks, yogurt, nuts

References

Nutrition: Science and Applications

Alternative Spellings and Names

Vit B7, Biotin