Vitamin B7 Deficiency

Overview

Biotin deficiency is rare in humans because biotin is widely available in foods, and the “good” gut bacteria can usually synthesize more biotin than the body needs. Signs of deficiency include : hair loss, or alopecia. a scaly, red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin B7 Deficiency?

Diseases caused by deficiency of vitamin B7 are not very common. This is because vitamin B is produced by bacteria in the intestine and is also available in regular food items. However, pre-existing disorders like biotinidase deficiency can make you prone to vitamin B7 deficiency.

In that case, you need to look out for tell-tale vitamin B7 deficiency symptoms –

• Mild depression
• Red rash around your eyes and nose 
• Lethargy
• Hair loss or alopecia
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Loss of body control or ataxia
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Conjunctivitis
• Appetite loss
• Insomnia
• Pain in muscles

If left untreated, these vitamin B7 deficiency symptoms can lead to serious health issues.

Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the prominent vitamin B7 deficiency causes to prevent these symptoms in the first place.

Vitamin B7 deficiency treatment

Biotin deficiency is reversible. People with BTD will be prescribed biotin supplements, which will stop the symptoms, but they will usually need to take the supplements long-term. The FDA does not monitor supplements as closely as they monitor food and drugs so a person should choose from a reputable source.

What Causes Low Vitamin B7 in Your Body?

Here is a list of causes of vitamin B7 deficiency –

• Individuals under medication for recurring seizures are prone to vitamin B7 deficiency diseases. Consumption of antibiotics over a long time also reduces the biotin-producing bacteria in your gut.
• Conditions like Crohn's disease or colitis prevents your body from absorbing nutrients, causing vitamin B7 deficiency.
• A malabsorption disorder can also lead to symptoms of vitamin B7 deficiency in adults.
• Individuals generally reuse Vitamin B7 before its removal from the body. Genetic disorders like biotinidase deficiency do not let the body reuse this vitamin B7. This condition is mainly diagnosed within a few months of birth and hence common in infants. Lack of treatment can also lead to coma.
• Sticking to strict ketogenic diets prevents your body from consuming vital nutrients. Instead, eating a balanced diet can help maintain your weight and vitamin B7 level better.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Vitamin B7 Deficiency?

It varies across individuals. For instance, if you suffer from severe liver disease, you may take longer to respond to dietary changes than an average healthy person.

If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and do not have any medical condition, recovery from B7 deficiency will be faster.

For example, if you suffer from skin rashes due to a lack of vitamin B7, treatment can cure it within a few weeks.

In conclusion, vitamin B7 deficiency is curable. If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your healthcare professional. Doctors will accordingly recommend an improved diet to replenish vitamin B7 levels in your body.

What foods contains vitamin B7?

Food Sources

• Beef liver.
• Eggs (cooked)
• Salmon.
• Avocados.
• Pork.
• Sweet potato.
• Nuts, seeds

Which fruit is rich in vitamin B7?

Vitamin B7 is found in a number of foods, though in small amounts. This includes walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, and egg yolks. Other foods that contain this vitamin are whole meal bread, salmon, pork, sardines, mushroom and cauliflower. Fruits that contain biotin include avocados, bananas and raspberries

Biotin and biotin deficiency

Biotin is one of the B complex vitamins. This group of vitamins is responsible for breaking down fat and carbohydrates from the foods you eat and turning them into energy. This energy provides fuel for many of your body’s necessary functions. Biotin is also sometimes called B-7, vitamin H, or coenzyme R

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin. That means it’s not stored in your body for long. Your body doesn’t naturally produce it, either. However, the bacteria in your gut can produce biotin. These bacteria, also called intestinal flora, have a healthy impact on your health.

Side effects of biotin deficiency

A biotin deficiency isn’t as common as other deficiencies. Few people eating a healthy, well-balanced diet will struggle to have enough biotin. That’s because many common foods contain large amounts of the vitamin naturally.

Still, a biotin deficiency can occur. If it does, these symptoms may develop:

• red rashes on the skin, especially the face
• dry or scaly skin
• dry eyes
• brittle hair
• hair loss
• fatigue
• insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• depression
• burning or prickling sensation in the hands and feet
• muscle pain
• changes in the intestinal tract (frequent upset stomach)
• cracking in the corners of the mouth
• seizures
• difficulty walking

How is biotin deficiency treated and prevented?

Treatment for a biotin deficiency typically fits into two main categories. These are food and supplements.

Foods that contain biotin

Daily requirements for biotin aren’t difficult to reach. An adult should aim to eat 30 micrograms (mcg) per day, a child should get 5 mcg per day, and an expecting mother should aim for 35 mcg per day.

Getting this vitamin from food is quite easy. Many common foods contain large amounts of biotin. These include:

• green peas, legumes, and lentils
• sunflower seeds and sunflower butter
• carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms
• cooked eggs, especially egg yolk
• organ meats, including liver and kidney
• dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt
• seafood
• whole grains, include barley and corn

Food processing destroys biotin. Eat as many of these foods in their whole, unprocessed forms to get the highest vitamin quantity possible.

Supplements

Biotin is available in both multivitamins and individual supplements. Biotin supplements typically come in three amounts: 10, 50, and 100 mcg.

Consult with your doctor before you begin a biotin supplement. Rarely, B-7 can interact with other medications. This can cause unintended side effects. It’s also possible to have too much biotin. Ask your doctor for a recommended daily dosage.

Risk factors of biotin deficiency
Anyone can develop a biotin deficiency. Several conditions and disorders increase the risk for some people. These include:

People with biotinidase deficiency

This rare hereditary disorder prevents the body from reusing biotin. People with the disorder are more likely to be biotin deficient.

Pregnant women

Biotin is critical for pregnant women. Without it, the baby could develop certain birth defects. Some blood tests for expecting moms will measure biotin levels. While you’re pregnant, your doctor may encourage you to eat more biotin-rich foods. This can help protect the growing baby.

Why do we need biotin (vitamin B7)?

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, so daily intake is necessary.