Biotin and Its Critical Role in Human Metabolism

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble member of the B complex group that is vital for maintaining healthy metabolic function. It acts as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions necessary for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. Biotin is also crucial for gene regulation and the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids, making it indispensable for cellular growth and repair.

Though biotin deficiency is rare due to its wide availability in foods and synthesis by gut microbiota, certain conditions can impair its availability. Consuming raw egg whites over a prolonged period can lead to deficiency, as they contain avidin—a protein that tightly binds biotin and inhibits its intestinal absorption. Long-term use of anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine and phenobarbital can also lower biotin levels by enhancing its metabolic breakdown and reducing its reabsorption in the kidneys.

A more serious cause of deficiency is biotinidase deficiency, an inherited metabolic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 60,000 newborns globally. This condition disrupts the body’s ability to recycle biotin from biocytin, a biotin-containing compound derived from protein degradation. Without treatment, affected infants may suffer from seizures, hypotonia, developmental delays, hearing loss, alopecia, and dermatitis. Early detection through newborn screening allows for biotin supplementation, which can prevent severe neurological and dermatological damage.

Recent studies suggest a growing interest in biotin supplementation for hair, skin, and nail health, although robust clinical evidence for its benefits in non-deficient individuals remains limited. Nonetheless, the role of biotin in enzyme function and metabolic integrity is well established. Given its essential nature and potential consequences of deficiency, ensuring adequate biotin levels—especially in at-risk populations—is a critical aspect of preventive healthcare.
Biotin and Its Critical Role in Human Metabolism