Biotin is a form of Vitamin B complex, and it is a crucial vitamin required for synthesizing carbohydrates and fatty acids in the human body. This vitamin is manufactured from food by bacteria that is present in the intestinal track of the body. Generally, the need for biotin in the human body is very low, but sometimes, certain food habits may cause biotin deficiency in the body.
The problem of biotin deficiency is mostly found in infants because they lack the intestinal bacterium that manufacturers biotin. Eating excessive amounts of egg whites may also cause biotin deficiency because egg white contains avidin, a substance that binds biotin. The deficiency may also arise for those who are taking anti-bacterial medicines. This occurs because the medicine may kill the biotin-producing bacteria in the intestine. Biotin deficiency also occurs in people who are chronic dieters. The hair or weight that they lose as a result of biotin deficiency may be regained when they return to a normal diet.
6 Signs of Biotin Deficiency are:
1. Dermatitis
Skin inflammation is one of the common symptoms of biotin deficiency. The common form of dermatitis that is found in people who are suffering from biotin deficiency is seborrhoeic dermatitis. This disease causes flaking and itching on the scalp that may lead to balding. Children who are affected by this condition may suffer from muscle pain and hair problems. Symptoms such as thinning of hair, red-scaly skin and brittle nails are common signs of biotin deficiency. A proper supplement of biotin may reduce muscle cramps in kids.
2. Hyperesthesia and Paresthesia
Infants who are experiencing biotin deficiency may suffer from a condition called hyperesthesia, where the stimulation of the sense organ experiences an abnormal increase. Paresthesia is a condition wherein the skin feels the sensation of pricking or tingling, followed by numbness.
3. Keratoconjunctivitis
Biotin deficiency may also cause keratoconjunctivitis, which results in conjunctiva of the eyes. The immunity of the affected person will be lowered and defects in B and T cells will occur. The deficiency in the cells reduces the cell count, and consequently, the ability to fight against the invasion of harmful bacteria or a virus is substantially reduced.
4. Anorexia
Anorexia is a condition that causes a person to suffer from low appetite. Biotin deficiency in infants hinders their physical and mental growth. Meanwhile, adults who have biotin deficiency may suffer from lethargy, depressions, lack of sensation or excess sensation, and hallucinations.
5. Anemia
Biotin deficiency may cause slight anemia. This condition causes oxygen-carrying cells called hemoglobin to lose their ability to bind oxygen. Some of the symptoms of anemia include fatigue, loss of concentration, difficulty in breathing, heart failure and others.
6. Irregular Electrocardiographic Activity of Heart
Electrocardiographic activity refers to the electrical activity of the heart, as interpreted by skin electrodes. People who are experiencing biotin deficiency may suffer from irregular electrocardiographic activity of heart, and this can result in serious heart conditions.
Infants may suffer from developmental delays due to biotin deficiency, and the condition can be cured by therapies for biotin. If the problem of biotin deficiency is not treated early, the condition can become life-threatening.
