Biotin (Vitamin H)

What role does it play in the organism?
Biotin is a coenzyme essential for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.

What foodstuffs contain it?
Good sources of dietary biotin are liver, tomatoes, yeast and egg-yolk. It is interesting that a compound, namely avidin found in raw egg-white inhibits biotin absorption. This unfavourable effect can however be eliminated by cooking or frying the eggs.

Who are exposed to biotin deficiency and what does this deficiency state cause?
As intestinal bacteria also produce biotin, its deficiency is rare and generally emerges as a result of artificial feeding or absorption disorders. The symptoms of biotin deficiency are not special: fatigability, muscle pain and lack of appetite or anaemia.

What is the recommended intake for biotin?
The daily biotin requirement is 30-100 micrograms for children depending on age and 150 micrograms for adults.

What are the health risks of excessive biotin intake?
Even in doses significantly exceeding the daily requirement, biotin does not cause harmful side effects.