Biotin is Vitamin B7, which is one of water-soluble vitamin b complex- a group of key nutrients needed for healthy metabolic, nerve and digestive functions. Because of its association with healthy hair, skin and nails, biotin is known as “the beauty vitamin”. Therefore, biotin is commonly found in many cosmetic and health products for the skin and hair. However, biotin cannot be absorbed through hair or skin.

Biotin can be taken from beef, soybeans and egg yolk. Also, it is one of the vitamins that are synthesized by beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Therefore, deficiency is rare. However, abuse of alcohol, intestinal problems and pregnancy increase the risk of deficiency, and the consequence is usually more severe than other vitamin deficiencies. A deficiency of biotin mainly affects the skin and hair, with symptoms such as hairloss, dermatitis, grayish skin colour, and rash around the nose and mouth.

Biotin acts as a coenzyme in the body that’s needed for the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose. This means that when we eat food that are sources of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, Vitamin B7 biotin must be present in order to convert and use these macronutrients for bodily energy.

FSA 2003: Food Standards Agency. Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals: Safe Upper Levels for Vitamins and Minerals. London (UK): Food Standards Agency, Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals May 2003.

Groff J, Gropper S. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 3rd edition. Belmont (CA): Wadsworth/Thomson Learning; 2000.

IOM 1998: Institute of Medicine. Panel on Folate, other B Vitamins, and Choline and Subcommittee on Upper Reference Levels of Nutrients, and the Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin and Choline. Washington (DC): National Academies Press; 1998.

Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, editors. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 10th edition. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006.

This page is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the medicinal ingredient.