Features of biotin... occurrence and consequences of biotin

Biotin is a crucial nutrient for the proper functioning of the body, its growth and development. It is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in human metabolism. Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 or H. Unfortunately, a deficiency in biotin is very common among pregnant women, with up to 50% of them potentially experiencing such a deficiency. An interesting fact about biotin is that it is produced by the microbiota in the human large intestine and can then be absorbed by the body. However, the contribution of this form of biotin to the total supply is less understood. A deficiency in biotin can manifest as fatigue, apathy, psychological symptoms (such as anxiety, hallucinations, depression, irritability), muscle pain and numbness in feet and hands, as well as hair loss, brittle nails, and conjunctivitis. Biotin deficiency is often found in individuals who consume a unbalanced and monotonous diet poor in biotin-containing components. It can also occur when taking antibiotics for a long time, during parenteral nutrition, or when the intestinal mucosa is damaged.

Biotin is crucial for the activation of enzymes responsible for mitochondrial metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, as well as for proper homeostasis and endocrine function of the pancreas. It also plays a significant role in cellular processes, such as gene regulation and genome stability. Its deficiency during pregnancy has a negative impact on fetal metabolism and disrupts its development. In addition, biotin supplementation in pregnant women improves their mental health. Recent studies have shown that biotin affects the expression of more than 2,000 human genes, including those that are critical for maintaining the differentiated phenotype of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells, preserving their mass, and insulin secretion. Biotin also increases the expression of the insulin receptor and glucokinase in these cells. Biotin is also involved in the conversion of pyruvate to oxalate in the citric acid cycle. A deficiency of enzymes involved in this reaction leads to the development of lactic acidosis. Recent research highlights the functions of enzymes in the field of histone modifications, which may lead to disturbances in cell proliferation and DNA repair processes. Biotin also plays a significant role in the immune system, particularly in antibody production, macrophage function, and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes. Insufficient intake of biotin can lead to skin inflammation, hair loss, and neuropathies. Such a state can develop through a ketogenic diet. Additionally, it has been discovered that biotin is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and the metabolism of leucine.

The complete understanding of the human body's requirements for biotin is not yet fully known, hence the recommended daily intake of biotin is given in the form of an appropriate intake (AI). Currently, this value for healthy adults and pregnant women is 30 μg/day (35 μg during lactation). These quantities were obtained through the utilization of data from infants fed exclusively on human milk. It is estimated that a daily intake of approximately 40 to 60 μg of biotin is provided through diet, but precise measurements of biotin content in certain products have not yet been established, so these estimates are high. It is crucial to note that animal cells are unable to synthesize biotin and rely solely on its supply from food sources. Sources of biotin include: egg yolks, cow's milk, liver, corn, yeast, bran, peas, cauliflower, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, beetroot, and onions. It is also important to remember that processing of products, cooking and exposure to sunlight can lead to the degradation of biotin.

Biotin has a substantial impact on improving the functionality of the skin, nails, and hair. It prevents excessive hair loss and baldness by providing protective effects on the skin and hair, including protection against UV radiation. Its role in the synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and fatty acids leads to an improvement in the structure of hair, skin, and nails. Therefore, it is particularly important for individuals whose hair is weak and prone to excessive shedding. Biotin is also very beneficial in cases of dry skin, brittle and fragile nails, and acne. The regeneration of the nail bed can be time-consuming, as it grows an average of 3-4 mm per month, therefore it is advisable to maintain a high level of biotin in the body or supplement it regularly. In summary, biotin is a crucial component for the body, as its deficiency can lead to poor well-being and damage to the skin and immune system. Proper biotin intake is not only beneficial for pregnancy, but also for beauty and the proper functioning of the entire body.