Biotin (Systemic)
Brand Names : vitamin H, coenzyme R, vitamin Bw
Category- Nutritional supplement, vitamin
DescriptionBiotin (BYE-oh-tin) supplements are used to prevent or treat biotin
deficiency.
Vitamins (VYE-ta-mins)
are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in
only small amounts and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Biotin
is necessary for formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are used as fuels
by the body. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates.
A lack of biotin is rare. However, if it occurs it may lead to skin rash,
loss of hair, high blood levels of cholesterol, and heart problems.
Some conditions may increase your need for biotin. These include:
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Genetic disorder of biotin deficiency
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Seborrheic dermatitis in infants
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Surgical removal of the stomach
Increased need for biotin should be determined by your health care professional.
Claims that biotin supplements are effective in the treatment of acne,
eczema (a type of skin disorder), or hair loss have not been proven.
Biotin supplements are available without a prescription in the following
dosage forms:
Oral
-
Capsules (U.S.)
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Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Importance of DietBiotin is found in various foods, including liver, cauliflower, salmon,
carrots, bananas, soy flour, cereals, and yeast. Biotin content of food is
reduced by cooking and preserving.
Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide
energy. Your body needs other substances found in food, such as protein, minerals,
carbohydrates, and fat. Vitamins themselves cannot work without the presence
of other foods.
The daily amount of biotin needed is defined in several different ways.
For U.S. -
-
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the amount of vitamins
and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons.
RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person's age, sex, and physical
condition (e.g., pregnancy).
-
Daily Values (DVs) are used on food and dietary supplement labels
to indicate the percent of the recommended daily amount of each nutrient that
a serving provides. DVs replace the previous designation of United States
Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDAs).
For Canada -
-
Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) are used to determine the amounts
of vitamins, minerals, and protein needed to provide adequate nutrition and
lessen the risk of chronic disease.
Because lack of biotin is rare, there is no RDA or RNI for it. Normal daily
recommended intakes for biotin are generally defined as follows:
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Infants and children -
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Birth to 3 years of age: 10 to 20 micrograms (mcg).
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4 to 6 years of age: 25 mcg.
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7 to 10 years of age: 30 mcg.
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Adolescents and adults -
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