Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin and
sometimes referred to as Vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the
class of B vitamins. As this is a water-soluble vitamin, excess of it gets
excreted in the urine and is not retained by the body. Hence, daily intake of
this vitamin becomes essential for optimal functioning of the body.
Functions
Biotin helps in the synthesis of energy/glucose by breaking
down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It thereby facilitates the uptake of
glucose by several cells of the body for their functions. In this regard,
research has shown that regular intake in diabetic individuals may be
beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels. Biotin also provides health and
strength to nails, skin and hair. Vitamin B7 is also essential for maintaining
appropriate functioning of the nervous system
Food Sources
The
food sources of Vitamin B7 are as follows:
- chocolates
- milk
- nuts
and oilseeds
- soya
bean
- yeast
- cereals
- pork
- organ
meats and egg yolk
Do
note that egg yolk is a rich source of biotin, but raw uncooked egg white
contains compounds that act as inhibitors for biotin. Rich sources of biotin
are:
- chicken
liver (a 100g serving contains as much as 170mcg of biotin)
- yeast
(which contains about 200mcg of biotin).
- egg
yolk (about 100gm of egg yolk contains 60mcg of vitamin B7)
Benefits
The health
benefits of Vitamin B7 or Biotin include improved metabolism, tissue maintenance, healthy skin, weight loss, relief from heart problems, alopecia, Parkinson’s disease, Rett syndrome
and vaginal candidiasis. It also aids in the synthesis of vital components and helps in
maintaining blood sugar levels.
Vitamin B7, also
known as biotin, happens to be a catalyst for various metabolic reactions in
the human body to extract energy. Due to its water solubility, this vitamin is
regularly diminished and therefore needs replenishment. The lack of biotin from
your normal diet may lead to a number of health disorders. It is necessary
to include the recommended amount of this vitamin in your daily diet.
Deficiency
Although a biotin deficiency is very
rare, when it does occur symptoms can include:
- dry,
irritated skin
- brittle
hair or hair loss
- lack
or energy or chronic fatigue
- digestive
and intestinal tract issues
- muscle
aches and pains
- nerve
damage
- mood
changes
- cramps
- tingling
in the limbs
- cognitive
impairments
Dosage
The recommended
intake or adequate requirements of Vitamin B7 is given below:
i.
0
– 12 months: 7mcg / day (reads as 7 microgram per day)
ii.
1 – 3 years: 8mcg / day
iii.
4
– 8 years: 12mcg / day
iv.
9
– 13 years: 20mcg / day
v.
14
– 18 years: 25mcg / day
vi.
18
years and above: 30mcg / day
vii.
Pregnant
women: 30mcg / day
viii.
Lactating
women: 35mcg / day