xihayol942
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Dec 29, 2023
3:43 AM
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Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, plays a pivotal role in maintaining various bodily functions, particularly in metabolism and the health of our skin, hair, and nails. Also known as vitamin B7 or coenzyme R, biotin acts as a crucial enzyme cofactor involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, glucose metabolism, and amino acid breakdown. Despite its significance, deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to various health complications.
Biotin Deficiency is relatively rare, mainly due to the body's ability to recycle and conserve this vitamin efficiently. However, certain factors can contribute to its deficiency. One primary cause is a diet lacking in biotin-rich foods. Foods rich in biotin include organ meats like liver, eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, and certain vegetables. Long-term consumption of raw egg whites, which contain avidin—a protein that binds to biotin and reduces its absorption—can also lead to deficiency. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease or genetic disorders that impair biotin absorption, utilization, or metabolism, can contribute to deficiency.
The symptoms of biotin deficiency can manifest in various ways, affecting different bodily systems. One of the most noticeable signs often appears in the skin, with symptoms like dry, scaly skin or a red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Hair loss or brittle hair and nails are also common symptoms. Neurological symptoms may include depression, lethargy, hallucinations, numbness and tingling of extremities, and even seizures in severe cases. Pregnant women or those who breastfeed might experience symptoms of biotin deficiency due to increased demand during pregnancy and lactation.
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