Vitamin H (Biotin) Deficiency
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Deficiency of vitamin H (biotin) is really rare, but some people can still become deficient. The only people that could possibly be at risk for vitamin H (biotin) deficiency are:
- Body builder and athletes
Many body builders and athletes consuming raw eggs to help build up protein, but this may cause a vitamin H (biotin) shortage, as raw eggs contain avidin, a substance which binds with the vitamin H (biotin), making it impossible for it to be absorbed by the body. - People that use antibiotics long term
People that use antibiotics long term may become deficient in vitamin H (biotin) as the antibiotics can destroy not just the bad bacteria causing infection, but also the "good" bacterial that naturally populates the intestines and helps with gastrointestinal health. People taking antibiotics may need supplementation. People taking this medication need to get advice from their doctor before trying vitamin H (biotin) supplements.
Certain people may be at risk of vitamin H (biotin) deficiency - body builders and people taking antibiotics long term
Symptoms of vitamin H (biotin) deficiency
Although deficiency of vitamin H (biotin) is very rare, it can happen and present with the following symptoms:
- Anaemia
- Conjunctivitis
- Depression
- Dermatitis
- Dry scaly skin (on babies and infants)
- Elevation of cholesterol levels
- Extreme tiredness and fatigue
- Hair loss
- Liver enlargements
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of muscle reflexes
- Nausea
- Pale, inflammed tongue
- Raised LDL ("bad") blood cholesterol levels
- Vomiting
People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if vitamin H (biotin) supplementation is warranted in their individual situation.