Biotin

Common Name

Vitamin B7 | Vitamin H

Top Benefits of Biotin

Supports cellular metabolic pathways*

Supports gene expression* 

What is Biotin?

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is part of the B complex—a group of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cellular metabolism and energy production. Biotin was originally called vitamin H, with “H” standing in for Haar und Haut, German words for hair and skin. This is because deficiency symptoms that led to the eventual discovery of biotin included skin rash and thinning hair. Diet, lifestyle and genetic factors influence absorption of biotin in the diet, and the ability of the gut microflora to make biotin, so some subsets of the population have more difficulty maintaining adequate biotin status than others. Biotin is an important cofactor in some enzymes involved in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates, influencing cell growth, and affecting amino acids involved in protein synthesis.*

Qualia Biotin Sourcing

Biotin sourcing is focused on identifying and purchasing from a reputable supplier and ensuring it’s NON-GMO, gluten-free and vegan.

Biotin Dosing Principles and Rationale

While the Institute of Medicine (IOM) hasn’t placed an upper limit on biotin, the advised intake (daily value [DV] on a supplement) is very low. We dose biotin in amounts consistent with the adult DV. Except for subsets of the population with certain genetic disorders that affect biotin metabolism, persons eating raw egg whites, and other rare situations, this low amount of biotin is expected to be sufficient to maintain good health [1].* 

Note: Recent information has suggested that mega doses of biotin (5,000-10,000 mcg or more) may interfere with some lab tests, so several national lab testing services recommend ceasing supplementation with mega doses of biotin starting two days prior to certain lab tests. The mega dose amounts are 166 to 333 times higher than the DV amount used in Qualia products. In the FDA’s safety communication about this topic, they mention that the DV amount does not typically cause interference in lab tests. But if you are taking any Qualia supplements containing biotin, it is a good idea to let your doctor know and follow any recommendation they may have about stopping it prior to lab testing.*

Biotin Key Mechanisms*

Biotin is required for the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and ACC2, pyruvate carboxylase, methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, and propionyl-CoA carboxylase [2–4]

Biotin-dependent enzymes have important roles in pathways associated with gluconeogenesis, lipid catabolism, and branched chain amino acid catabolism [2–4]

Biotin regulates chromatin structure and gene expression [2,3]

Supports skin health*
Supports nail structure and health [5–7]
Supports hair health [8]
Supports skin zinc homeostasis [9] 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

REFERENCES

[1]F. Saleem, M.P. Soos, in: StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL), 2021.

[2]L. Riveron-Negrete, C. Fernandez-Mejia, Mini Rev. Med. Chem. 17 (2017) 529–540.

[3]D.M. Mock, J. Nutr. 147 (2017) 1487–1492.

[4]L. Tong, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 70 (2013) 863–891.

[5]V.E. Colombo, F. Gerber, M. Bronhofer, G.L. Floersheim, J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 23 (1990) 1127–1132.

[6]G.L. Floersheim, Z. Hautkr. 64 (1989) 41–48.

[7]L.G. Hochman, R.K. Scher, M.S. Meyerson, Cutis 51 (1993) 303–305.

[8]D.P. Patel, S.M. Swink, L. Castelo-Soccio, Skin Appendage Disord 3 (2017) 166–169.

[9]Y. Ogawa, M. Kinoshita, T. Sato, S. Shimada, T. Kawamura, Nutrients 11 (2019).