6 Surprising Biotin Deficiency Diseases and Conditions You Might Not Know About

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the body’s metabolic processes. It serves as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, synthesising fatty acids, generating glucose, and metabolising amino acids. It plays a key role in keeping our hair, skin, and nails healthy. Biotin is also essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system and helps in the production of fatty acids and glucose. When our body does not get enough biotin, it can lead to a deficiency.

Biotin deficiency is rare but can cause various health problems. Some people may not realise that their unexplained symptoms could be linked to a lack of biotin. This deficiency can affect many parts of the body, leading to issues such as hair loss, skin rashes, and digestive problems.

In this blog, we will explore 6 surprising biotin deficiency diseases and conditions you might not know about. Understanding these conditions can help you recognise the importance of biotin in your diet and overall health.

Table Of Contents

1. What Diseases Cause Biotin Deficiency?

2. What Bodily Conditions Cause Biotin Deficiency?

3. 5 Prominent Biotin Deficiencies

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

What Diseases Cause Biotin Deficiency?

Here are some diseases and conditions that may result in biotin deficiency:

1. Genetic Disorders

Here are some genetic disorders that can cause biotin deficiency diseases: 
 

2. Malabsorption Syndromes

Apart from genetic disorders, later-life malabsorption syndromes can also lead to biotin deficiency diseases: 

 

3. Short Bowel Syndrome

It is a condition resulting from the surgical removal of part of the small intestine.

4. Chronic Antibiotic Use

Chronic antibiotic use can deplete biotin levels by disrupting gut bacteria that produce this essential nutrient.

5. Late-Onset Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency

Late-onset multiple carboxylase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to utilise biotin, leading to a deficiency.

6. Juvenile Onset Biotinidase Deficiency

Juvenile onset biotinidase deficiency is an inherited condition that prevents the proper recycling of biotin, causing a deficiency in children.

Also Read: Know All About The Best Biotin Tablets For Hair Growth

What Bodily Conditions Cause Biotin Deficiency?

Some other conditions that are likely to cause biotin deficiency are:

1. Excessive Raw Egg White Consumption

Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents its absorption. When consumed in excess, it may result in biotin deficiency diseases. You can identify its repercussions as skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological symptoms.

2. Pregnancy

An increased requirement for biotin during pregnancy may result in biotin deficiency diseases, as the body fails to fulfil the additional levels. The expecting mother may suffer from skin rashes, hair loss, fatigue, and potential congenital anomalies in the fetus. Adequate dietary biotin intake and prenatal supplements can help pregnant women deal with biotin deficiency.

3. Chronic Alcoholism

Alcohol interferes with biotin absorption and utilisation and can cause malnutrition, skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological issues. You must reduce or stop alcohol consumption and take biotin supplementation and nutritional support to dodge biotin deficiency diseases.

4. Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition

Intravenous feeding may lack adequate biotin if not correctly formulated, resulting in skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological issues. Ensure biotin is included in parenteral nutrition formulations and supplements as needed to avoid biotin deficiency diseases.

5. Certain Medications

Drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid can decrease biotin levels, causing biotin deficiency in the body, reducing biotin absorption and increasing biotin degradation. In such cases, monitor biotin levels and supplementation if necessary. Isotretinoin is commonly used for severe acne, can reduce biotin levels and result in dry skin and hair loss.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies And Imbalances

• Severe Malnutrition: A generalised lack of essential nutrients in the body causes imbalances and insufficient dietary intake, leading to biotin deficiency. A balanced diet, including biotin supplements, is recommended for comprehensive nutritional support.
  
   
• Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia nervosa or severe picky eating and insufficient dietary intake lead to biotin deficiency. Nutritional therapy and biotin supplementation can help deal with biotin deficiency diseases.

7. Mitochondrial Disorders

Mitochondrial illnesses might exacerbate biotin-deficient conditions by impairing the metabolic mechanisms necessary for biotin recycling and usage. These illnesses frequently reduce the efficiency with which the mitochondria make energy, which might raise metabolic stress and the need for biotin. 

Because biotin is essential for many enzymatic processes related to energy production and metabolism, deficiencies can arise from mitochondrial malfunction that compromises biotin's efficiency and availability.

8. Genetic and Metabolic Disorders

The body's capacity to maintain appropriate levels of biotin can be compromised by genetic illnesses caused by mutations in genes involved in biotin transport, absorption, or the activity of biotin-dependent enzymes. 

Increased demand for biotin or poor biotin utilisation in important biochemical pathways can result from metabolic diseases, such as those that impact carboxylase enzymes that need biotin as a cofactor. These diseases might cause insufficient biotin availability, resulting in symptoms including skin rashes, hair loss, and neurological problems linked to a biotin shortage.

Also Read: From Your Plate To Luscious Lengths: Here Are 17 Biotin-Rich Foods For Hair Growth And Its Wonderful Benefits

5 Prominent Biotin Deficiencies And Diseases

Here are the five prominent biotin deficiencies and diseases:

1.  Biotin-Thiamine-Responsive Basal Ganglia Disease

• This rare genetic disorder affects the brain's basal ganglia, leading to episodes of encephalopathy, seizures, and movement problems. 
• It is responsive to biotin and thiamine supplementation. 
• Early diagnosis and treatment with these vitamins can prevent or reduce neurological symptoms, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

2. Holocarboxylase Synthetase Deficiency

• Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the attachment of biotin to carboxylases, enzymes essential for metabolism. 
• Symptoms include metabolic acidosis, developmental delays, seizures, and skin rashes. 
• This is diagnosed through genetic testing; this condition requires high doses of biotin supplements to improve symptoms and prevent severe metabolic issues.

3. Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency

• Multiple carboxylase deficiency is a metabolic disorder caused by mutations affecting biotin-dependent enzymes. 
• This leads to the inability to metabolise proteins, fats, and carbohydrates properly. 
• Symptoms include skin rashes, hair loss, neurological issues, and metabolic acidosis. 
• Treatment involves high doses of biotin supplements, which can improve metabolic functions and alleviate symptoms if started early.

4..Biotinidase Deficiency

• Biotinidase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot recycle biotin. 
• This enzyme deficiency impairs the body's ability to reuse biotin, leading to symptoms like seizures, developmental delays, skin rashes, and hair loss. 
• Diagnosed through newborn screening, the condition is treatable with lifelong biotin supplements. 
• Early intervention can prevent or alleviate symptoms, ensuring normal development and metabolic function.

5. Biotin Deficiency Due To Chronic Antibiotic Use

• Prolonged antibiotic use can disrupt gut bacteria that produce biotin, leading to deficiency. 
• Symptoms include skin rashes, hair thinning, and neurological issues like depression and lethargy. 
• Supplementing with biotin and maintaining a balanced diet can help restore biotin levels and alleviate symptoms.

Also Read: 6 Best Biotin-Rich Foods To Add To Your Diet As Per Dietitian's Recommendation 

Dietitian's Recommendation

I recommend increasing biotin-rich foods such as eggs (cooked), nuts, seeds, and leafy greens for biotin deficiency diseases. Incorporate whole grains, liver, and fish to boost biotin intake. Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt can support gut health, enhancing biotin production. 

Biotin supplements may be necessary for people with genetic disorders or malabsorption issues. Pregnant women should ensure adequate biotin through a balanced diet and prenatal vitamins. Avoid consuming raw egg whites, as they contain avidin, which inhibits biotin absorption. Regular monitoring and dietary adjustments are essential for managing biotin deficiency effectively.

                                                                                 Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Many metabolic functions depend on biotin, and a lack of it can cause a number of health problems. To maintain optimal health, it is vital to comprehend the origins, symptoms, and available treatment choices for biotin deficiency. 

People can prevent and manage biotin deficiency by ensuring adequate biotin intake through a balanced diet and addressing underlying conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for inherited disorders like biotinidase deficiency and holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

FAQs

1. How much biotin do I need daily?

The recommended daily intake for adults is 30 micrograms. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may need slightly more.

2. Can too much biotin be harmful?

Biotin is water-soluble, so excess amounts are excreted in urine. High doses are generally not considered very harmful, but always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.

3. How can I prevent biotin deficiency?

Prevent biotin deficiency by consuming a balanced diet rich in biotin-containing foods, avoiding raw egg whites, maintaining gut health, and supplementing as needed under medical advice.

4. What are the top biotin deficiency diseases?

Here are some well-known biotin deficiency diseases: 

• Biotinidase Deficiency
• Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency
• Chronic Antibiotic Use
• Late-Onset Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Peripheral Neuropathy

References

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/biotin-deficiency/
• https://www.godigit.com/nutrition/biotin-deficiency-diseases
• https://www.starhealth.in/blog/biotin-deficiency
• https://www.geneticnutrition.in/blogs/genetic-life/biotin-deficiency

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