Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin found in bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. In dietary sources, biotin is predominantly bound to proteins, with only a small portion existing in its free form. During digestion, biocytin (biotinyl-lysine) is released from these proteins and absorbed efficiently from the gastrointestinal tract. Once in circulation, the enzyme biocytinase in plasma and erythrocytes cleaves biocytin, freeing biotin to function as a prosthetic group in several essential carboxylase enzymes involved in metabolic pathways.
In clinical and research settings, biotin plays a crucial role in evaluating metabolic health, especially in patients with neurological, dermatological, or metabolic concerns. Although the recommended daily intake for adults ranges between 100–200 µg, individuals with impaired intestinal flora or on restrictive diets may experience deficiency. Supplementation with higher doses, particularly in chronic hemodialysis patients, has been shown to improve neurological function and glucose metabolism, making biotin an important biomarker for assessing nutritional status and guiding therapeutic interventions.
Biotin deficiency, while rare, can result in a range of symptoms including dermatitis, alopecia, muscle hypotonia, anorexia, reproductive issues, and mood disturbances such as depression. Measuring biotin levels can thus aid in diagnosing underlying nutritional deficiencies or absorption issues, supporting its relevance in both preventative health and disease management contexts.
This product is manufactured in Germany by Immundiagnostik AG.