9 Biotin Deficiency Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a vital nutrient that plays an essential role in our body. It aids the process of converting food into energy and helps keep our skin, hair, and nails healthy. Additionally, biotin supports the functioning of our nervous system and assists in making fatty acids and glucose. When the body does not get enough biotin, it can lead to biotin deficiency.

This deficiency can cause various health issues that may go unnoticed at first. Many individuals may not understand that their unexplained signs could be associated with biotin. Knowing the biotin deficiency symptoms is important for maintaining good health overall.

If someone has biotinidase deficiency symptoms, it means their body is not able to use biotin properly. This can result in severe health issues. So, suppose you observe any lack of biotin symptoms like losing hair, getting skin rashes or feeling tired easily. You must make the necessary changes in your diet or visit a doctor for further treatment. Understanding the symptoms of a lack of biotin can help you address potential health concerns before they escalate. 

Read ahead to learn about these biotin deficiency symptoms, what happens if your biotin levels are low, how to check it at home, and foods that can supplement biotin in your diet. 

Table Of Contents 

1. What Happens When Your Biotin Is Low?
2. 9 Biotin Deficiency Symptoms 
3. What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Biotin?
4. How Can I Check Biotin Levels?
5. Which Food Has The Highest Biotin?
6. Dietitian’s Recommendation 
7. The Final Say 
8. FAQs
9. References 

What Happens When Your Biotin Is Low?

When biotin levels are low, certain biotin deficiency symptoms can occur. Biotin is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, so a deficiency can cause problems such as hair loss, brittle nails, and skin rashes. 

This vitamin also supports energy production, so low levels can cause fatigue and weakness. Biotin is also important for healthy nerves, so a lack of biotin can cause symptoms in the nervous system, such as mood swings or depression. 

In severe cases, biotin deficiency symptoms can lead to more serious conditions such as dermatitis and cognitive impairment. Biotin's role in energy metabolism and cell health is crucial for overall health.

Also Read: Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss And Promotes Hair Growth? 

9 Biotin Deficiency Symptoms 

Coming to the main aspect of this topic, now we will discuss in detail about various biotin deficiency symptoms that you should not ignore: 

1. Hair Loss and Thinning

Hair loss is one of the most visible biotin deficiency symptoms. For hair follicles to remain healthy, biotin is essential. Deficiency can result in patchy bald areas or widespread shedding of hair, as well as hair thinning and even hair loss. Low amounts of biotin might impede the process of strengthening the hair shaft and stimulating growth.

Scientific Insight: Biotin plays a role in creating keratin, a protein that makes up the foundation of hair. A lack of sufficient biotin may result in a decrease in keratin production, causing hair to weaken.

Prevention and Management: Include biotin-rich foods in your diet, such as eggs, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes. For those experiencing severe type of hair loss, biotin supplements may be considered, but it is best to consult a doctor.

2. Skin Rashes and Dermatitis

Biotin deficiency can cause several skin problems, including rashes and dermatitis. These conditions often show red and scaly patches on the face, including around the eyes and scalp area. Your skin could be very dry and sore, making it easy to mistake these biotin deficiency symptoms for other types of problems that affect the skin.

Scientific Insight: The skin rash and dermatitis linked to biotin deficiency are thought to be caused by impaired fatty acid metabolism due to reduced activities of biotin-dependent carboxylases, particularly acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The infections caused by Candida albicans, connected with a weakened immune system, might also be contributing factors to the dermatitis.

Prevention and Management: To avoid skin symptoms, maintain a healthy diet and eat foods with biotin. You can also try ToneOp Care’s Skin 360 tablets, which contain biotin, glutathione, NAC, and more, to relieve all skin problems and disorders. 

3. Brittle Nails

Another common biotin deficiency symptom is brittle, weak nails. People might see their nails break often, peel off, or have uneven surfaces. Biotin is very important for making keratin, which helps nails become stronger and less likely to break.

Scientific Insight: Biotin is necessary for synthesising keratin, the protein found in nails. A lack of certain nutrients can result in weakened nail health and strength.

Prevention and Management: To prevent nails from weakening, eat more foods containing biotin or take a biotin supplement as directed by your doctor.

4. Fatigue and Weakness

A biotin deficiency can cause fatigue and muscle weakness. This is because biotin is involved in energy metabolism; it helps convert nutrients into usable energy. Without enough biotin, the body's energy production process can malfunction, leading to anxiety and fatigue.

Scientific Insight: Biotin serves as a coenzyme in important metabolic processes such as gluconeogenesis and the synthesis of fatty acids. Insufficient levels of biotin can impede these functions, leading to decreased levels of energy.

Prevention and Management: Make sure you’re getting the right amount of biotin from your diet, and consider supplementing if needed. Fatigue can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.

5. Neurological Symptoms

Biotin deficiency can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as depression, confusion, and mood swings. Neurological biotin deficiency symptoms may occur due to biotin's role in nerve control and function.

Scientific Insight: Biotin plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters and helps maintain the integrity of myelin, the covering that protects nerves. An inadequacy can interfere with these processes, impacting cognitive and emotional health.

Prevention and Management: Eating foods rich in biotin can help maintain a healthy nervous system. For those with severe symptoms, medical consultation is necessary to find treatment and a suitable diet.

6. Digestive Issues

Digestive problems such as nausea and abdominal pain are also associated with biotin deficiency. Biotin supports the metabolism of nutrients and supports the overall functioning of the digestive system. A deficiency disrupts this process and leads to stomach pain.

Scientific Insight: Biotin helps with enzyme activities that are essential for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. A lack of nutrients can hinder these functions, leading to digestive issues.

Prevention and Management: Take biotin supplements after consulting with a doctor. Sometimes, co-deficiencies and intolerances occur along with biotin deficiency, so make sure you get that checked. 

7. Impaired Immune Function

Biotin deficiency weakens the body and makes the body more susceptible to diseases. This is because biotin supports the formation and function of the immune system, and biotin deficiency impairs the body's ability to fight disease.

Scientific Insight: Biotin is involved in the growth and operation of immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages. Insufficient biotin can weaken immune responses, making the body more vulnerable to infections.

Prevention and Management: To strengthen the immune system, eat recommended biotin-rich foods and try immune-boosting drinks and supplements, such as ToneOp Care’s Turmeric, Ginger, & Garlic Oil Capsules. 

Also Read: Top 10 Recommended Foods That Boost The Immune System With A Healthy Diet Chart! 

8. Mood Swings and Depression

A lack of biotin may be linked to negative feelings like anxiety and depression. The production of neurotransmitters that regulate emotions and intellect involves biotin, and deficiency can lead to hindrance in signal transduction and transmission of these neurotransmitters. 

Scientific Insight: Biotin is needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. A lack can result in disruptions in these substances, impacting emotions and psychological well-being.

Prevention and Management: Take biotin-rich foods and supplements, practice mindfulness meditation, enjoy outdoor activities and try grounding techniques. 

9. Congenital Biotinidase Deficiency

Congenital biotinidase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that results in the body's inability to use biotin. If not diagnosed and treated early, this condition can become serious. Symptoms can include growth retardation, seizures, and skin problems.

Scientific Insight: Biotinidase is a crucial enzyme that helps the body recycle biotin. Congenital biotinidase deficiency occurs when there is a malfunction in this enzyme, resulting in a lack of biotin even with sufficient dietary consumption.

Prevention and Management: Early diagnosis through newborn screening can prevent serious complications. Treatment usually includes biotin supplements to control symptoms and promote normal growth.

Also Read: All About Taking Biotin During Pregnancy & Biotinidase Deficiency 

What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Biotin?

When the body doesn't get enough biotin, it can lead to various health issues due to the vitamin's crucial role in several metabolic processes. Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is a necessary element in the working of enzymes that manage the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. A deficiency in biotin can result in impaired energy production, as well as disruptions in the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.

At the cellular level, biotin deficiency can impact DNA repair, cell proliferation, and gene regulation. This can lead to abnormalities in rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in hair, skin, and nails. Biotin is also essential for keeping our immune system strong; having a lack of it may make us more vulnerable to infection.

Biotin deficiency symptoms linked to the nervous system, like seizures, ataxia and developmental delays, may happen because of how crucial biotin is for the proper functioning of this system. In extreme instances, biotin deficiency can lead to life-threatening complications, including coma and death, if left untreated. 

How Can I Check Biotin Levels?

A blood test is often used to check your biotin levels. This test measures the amount of biotin in your blood. Your doctor may order this test if you suspect you have a biotin deficiency because of symptoms like hair loss, rashes, or fatigue. The test results will help determine if your biotin levels are low and if you need more help or dietary changes. Sometimes, a urine test is also used to measure biotin. Be sure to consult a doctor to find out the truth and to learn about treatment according to your specific needs.

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

Which Food Has The Highest Biotin?

Best biotin-rich foods include eggs, nuts, and seeds. Among these, eggs have a special biotin content. One egg can meet most of your daily biotin needs. Other good liver and organs, such as meat, are also rich in biotin. Some vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and spinach, also contain biotin but at lower levels than animal products. Incorporating biotin-rich foods into your diet may help maintain healthy biotin levels and promote overall health.

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

To manage biotin deficiency symptoms, focus on incorporating biotin-rich foods into your diet. Eat egg yolks, nuts (especially almonds and walnuts), seeds, and liver. Also include sweet potatoes, spinach, and beans. Plan to eat enough foods to meet your daily biotin needs. 

If symptoms persist or dietary changes are insufficient, consider biotin supplements as recommended by your doctor. Regular monitoring and consultation with a doctor can help you adjust the diet plan to address deficiencies and ensure overall health.

Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say 

Biotin is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, energy metabolism, and nerve function. Biotin deficiency symptoms can affect all aspects of health, from hair and skin to energy levels and mood. Recognising and addressing the signs through dietary changes and supplementation can help effectively prevent and manage these biotin deficiency symptoms. If you suspect biotin deficiency or your symptoms persist, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs

1. How much biotin should I take daily?

The recommended daily intake for biotin varies by age and health condition. For adults, 30-100 micrograms per day is generally sufficient. Consult a healthcare provider for personalised recommendations.

2. Can biotin deficiency affect pregnancy?

Yes, biotin deficiency during pregnancy can affect both the mother and the developing baby, potentially leading to skin issues and developmental problems. Pregnant women should ensure adequate biotin intake through diet or supplements as recommended by their healthcare provider.

3. How is biotin deficiency diagnosed?

Biotin deficiency is diagnosed through blood tests measuring biotin levels or biotinidase enzyme activity. Biotin deficiency symptoms and medical history also help in confirming the deficiency.

4. Can biotin supplements help?

Yes, biotin supplements can help manage deficiency by increasing biotin levels in the body. They are particularly effective when dietary changes alone are insufficient.

References 

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320462
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW4sVjthi5Y
• https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/vitamin-b7-deficiency-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-biotin
• https://draxe.com/nutrition/biotin-deficiency/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotin_deficiency
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/biotin-for-hair-growth-89236
• https://www.medicinenet.com/11_foods_that_have_the_highest_biotin/article.htm
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320222

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