Monograph: |
Biotin
A White crystalline powder or colourless crystals. Very slightly soluble in water and in alcohol ; practically insoluble in other common organic solvents. It dissolves in dilute solutions of alkali hydroxides. Store in airtight containers. Protect from light.
Biotin is traditionally considered to be a vitamin B substance. It is an essential coenzyme in fat metabolism and in other carboxylation reactions. Biotin deficiency may result in the urinary excretion of organic acids and changes in skin and hair. Deficiency of biotin is very unlikely in man because of its widespread distribution in food. Egg - yolk and offal are especially good sources. Biotin deficiency has been reported however during long - term parenteral nutrition and in patients with biotinidase deficiency, an inherited metabolic disorder.
Biotin combines with avidin, a glycoprotein present in raw egg - white, to form an inactive compound.
Deficiency states. References to the successful use of biotin to treat deficiency of biotinidase, the enzyme responsible for the recycling and functioning of biotin.
Human requirements. In the United Kingdom neither a reference nutrient intake (RNI) nor an estimated average requirement (EAR) has been set for biotin although it was considered that an intake of between 10 and 200 mcg daily was both safe and adequate. Similarly in the United States an adequate intake of 30 mcg daily has been set for adults.
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