Biotin (Vitamin H): Benefits, Uses & Importance for Health

Also classified as Vitamin H, biotin is part of the B complex vitamins. Derived from the Greek word for "life," bios, it plays a number of essential roles in our health.

Helping Enzymes

• Certain enzymes do not work properly without biotin. As a result, complications can develop affecting the intestinal tract, nervous system and skin unless biotin is present.

Creating Energy

• Biotin manufactures various fats needed by the body. It also breaks down fatty acids and carbohydrates, converting them into energy.

Protein Housecleaning

• Certain proteins eventually break down in the body and biotin is needed for the excretion of the substances that result from this breakdown.

Nutrient Use

• Biotin helps the utilization of folic acid, pantothenic acid, B12, and protein.

Additional Benefits

• Biotin prevents or alleviates weakness, tiredness, poor appetite, hair loss and depression. A severe deficiency, which is rare, may cause eczema of the face and body, and inflammation of the tongue.

Cell Processes

• Research suggests biotin is also needed for DNA replication and gene expression in cells.

Deficiency During Pregnancy

• A slight biotin deficiency has been discovered regularly occurring during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamin supplements usually do not contain biotin.