Vitamin B7 or biotin is one of the lesser known water-soluble B Vitamins. B Complex products often include it, but not always.Biotin works as a cofactor to support the enzymatic activity involved in the production of fatty acids, amino acids and glucose.
Healthy adults need about 30 mcg of biotin each day. Children vary in their needs from 5 – 25 mcg, depending on age. People who might have a greater than normal need for biotin include alcoholics, patients who have had a partial gastrectomy or achlorhydria, burn patients, epileptics, elderly individuals, athletes and women who are pregnant or lactating.
Food sources of biotin include:
- brewer’s yeast
- cooked eggs, especially egg yolk
- sardines
- nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) and nut butters
- soybeans and other legumes (beans, blackeye peas, peanuts)
- whole grains
- cauliflower, Swiss chard and mushrooms
- bananas
Biotin does not seem to have any significant interactions with supplements and herbs, but is known to interact with these medications and drugs:
alcohol
- carbamazepine
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin
- primidone
If you use any of these medications, please discuss the need for biotin supplementation with your MD, ND or pharmacist.
The Doctor's Note 