Biotin Requirement Last updated: May 05, 2008

THE ANALYST TM
Home  |  FAQ  |  Start The Analyst


 
  Biotin Requirement  
 

 
Signs, symptoms and indicators | Contributing risk factors | Recommendations

 
 

 
 

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Biotin Requirement:
 
 
Symptoms - Nails  Brittle fingernails
 Since biotin is known to strengthen hooves in animals, Swiss researchers investigated the use of biotin in strengthening brittle fingernails in humans. An uncontrolled trial of 2.5mg biotin per day found improved firmness and hardness in almost all cases after an average treatment time of 5.5 months. [Z Hautkr 1989;64:pp.41-8]
 
 

Risk factors for Biotin Requirement:
 
 
Symptoms - Food - Intake  (High) raw egg white consumption
 Biotin is a vitamin that can be bound by avidin, which is found in raw egg white. This binding prevents its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. The routine consumption of raw egg white may reduce biotin absorption enough to induce a deficiency. Cooking deactivates avidin and makes biotin from other sources available for absorption once again.


Counter-indicators:
  (High) egg yolk consumption
 Whether cooked or raw, egg yolk is so high in biotin that it overcomes the binding effect of avidin that results from consuming raw egg whites.
 
 

Recommendations for Biotin Requirement:
 
 
Vitamins  Vitamin Biotin
 
 


KEY
Strong or generally accepted link
Proven definite or direct link
Strongly counter-indicative
Highly recommended

Your attitude gives you the winning edge. When world heavyweight champion Joe Louis got knocked down by Tony 'Two Ton' Galento in Yankee Stadium, he immediately jumped back to his feet and went after his opponent. When his trainer protested saying, 'Why didn't you stay down for nine?' Louis said, 'What! And give him a chance to rest.' Louis went out in the fourth round and won the fight. Possessing a great attitude always gives you the winning edge.





GLOSSARY

Biotin:  An essential coenzyme that assists in the making of fatty acids and in the burning of carbohydrates and fats for body heat and energy. It is also essential for function of red blood cells and hemoglobin synthesis.

Gastrointestinal:  Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Milligram:  (mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.