Biotin

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It functions as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, which are essential for converting nutrients into energy and facilitating the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. By supporting these enzymatic reactions, biotin helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as promote overall energy production and metabolic function.

• Hair and Skin Health: Biotin plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Research suggests that biotin supplementation can improve hair growth, reduce hair loss, and strengthen nails (Trueb, 2018; Colombo et al., 2018).
• Metabolic Function: Biotin is involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes (Koutsikos et al., 2019; Hu et al., 2018).
• Cognitive Function: Biotin is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for cognitive function and mood regulation. Research suggests that biotin supplementation may improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (Tan et al., 2018).
• Energy Production: Biotin is a co-factor for enzymes involved in energy production, including the citric acid cycle and fatty acid synthesis. Adequate biotin levels are essential for maintaining energy levels and preventing fatigue (Sweetman & Nyhan, 2006).
• Nervous System Function: Biotin is involved in the synthesis of myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. Research suggests that biotin supplementation may help alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as numbness and tingling (Said, 2013).
• Pregnancy and Fetal Development: Biotin is essential for fetal development, particularly during the first trimester. Research suggests that adequate biotin levels during pregnancy may reduce the risk of birth defects, such as neural tube defects (Cordero et al., 2013).
• Muscle Function: Biotin is involved in the regulation of muscle function and may help improve muscle strength and endurance. Research suggests that biotin supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with muscle weakness or wasting (Wall et al., 2018).

In summary, biotin supports various aspects of health, including:

• Hair, skin, and nail health
• Metabolic function and blood sugar regulation
• Cognitive function and mood regulation
• Energy production and fatigue prevention
• Nervous system function and peripheral neuropathy prevention

Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, that plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes in the body. At a biochemical level, biotin works as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids.

• Mechanism of Action: Biotin's mechanism of action involves its role as a coenzyme for five carboxylase enzymes:
  • Pyruvate carboxylase: converts pyruvate to oxaloacetate, a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle).
  • Acetyl-CoA carboxylase: converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, a crucial step in fatty acid synthesis.
  • Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase: involved in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine).
  • Propionyl-CoA carboxylase: participates in the metabolism of odd-chain fatty acids and branched-chain amino acids.
  • β-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase: involved in the metabolism of leucine.

• In each of these enzymes, biotin acts as a coenzyme, facilitating the transfer of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from one molecule to another. This process is essential for the proper functioning of these enzymes and the subsequent metabolic pathways.

• Pathways Affected: Biotin affects several metabolic pathways, including:

  • Citric acid cycle: biotin is necessary for the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate, which is then fed into the citric acid cycle, producing ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
  • Fatty acid synthesis: biotin is required for the conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, which is then used to synthesize fatty acids.
  • Gluconeogenesis: biotin is involved in the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate, which is then used to synthesize glucose.
  • Amino acid metabolism: biotin is necessary for the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids and other amino acids.

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. Its chemical structure and properties are as follows:

• Molecular Formula: C10H16N2O3S
• IUPAC Name: 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanoic acid
• Key Structural Features: Biotin has a complex ring system consisting of a thiophene ring fused to an imidazole ring. The molecule contains a valeric acid side chain, which is a 5-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at the end. The biotin molecule also has several chiral centers, with the 3a, 4, and 6a positions having specific stereochemistry.

Biotin's key structural features contribute to its biological activity and properties. The valeric acid side chain allows biotin to bind to enzymes, such as carboxylases, which are involved in various metabolic processes. The thiophene and imidazole rings are essential for biotin's role as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions.

Some of the key properties of biotin include:

• Molecular Weight: 244.31 g/mol
• Melting Point: 230-233°C
• Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in organic solvents
• Stability: Stable in acidic and neutral conditions, but unstable in alkaline conditions

Biotin plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. It serves as a coenzyme for several enzymes, including pyruvate carboxylase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. Biotin deficiency can lead to various health problems, including skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological disorders.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or H, is a B-complex vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including energy production, nerve function, and skin, hair, and nail health. It is commonly sourced from both natural and synthetic sources.

• Natural Sources:

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are rich in biotin.
  • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are good sources of biotin.
  • Egg yolks: Egg yolks are one of the richest sources of biotin in animal products.
  • Organ meats: Liver, kidney, and heart are good sources of biotin.
  • Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, and barley contain biotin.
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, and kale are good sources of biotin.

• Extraction Methods:

  • Fermentation: Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast can be used to ferment biotin-rich substrates, such as sugarcane or corn, to produce biotin.
  • Chemical synthesis: Biotin can be synthesized through a series of chemical reactions involving the condensation of urea, succinic acid, and other compounds.
  • Extraction from natural sources: Biotin can be extracted from natural sources, such as egg yolks or nuts, using solvents like ethanol or hexane.

• Synthesis Methods:

  • Microbial fermentation: Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast can be engineered to produce biotin through fermentation.
  • Enzymatic synthesis: Enzymes can be used to catalyze the synthesis of biotin from precursor molecules.
  • Chemical synthesis: Biotin can be synthesized through a series of chemical reactions involving the condensation of urea, succinic acid, and other compounds.

• Quality Considerations for Supplements:

  • Purity: Look for supplements with a high purity level (≥98%) to ensure minimal contamination.
  • Stability: Biotin is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen, so choose supplements with a stable formulation and packaging.
  • Bioavailability: Opt for supplements with a bioavailable form of biotin, such as d-biotin, which is more easily absorbed by