Biotin deficiency is very rare in nations where people generally consume enough calories and rich-nutrient food in general. This is mainly because of three reasons: The recommended daily requirements are relatively low, many common foods provide biotin and researchers believe our intestinal digestive bacteria have the ability to create some biotin on their own.
Bacteria in the intestines make biotin and the human body actually recycles unused biotin through
the intestines which makes biotin deficiency very unlikely to happen.
Symptoms
Symptoms will start to manifest in mostly people who consume raw egg whites steadily over many weeks/months or those taking certain prescription medications because certain anti-bacterial medicines may kill the biotin – producing bacteria in the intestine. The symptoms will affect your hair, skin and nails. These symptoms include dry skin, recurrent fungal infections of the skin, a rash, dry or brittle hair, or hair loss. Nails may also become brittle. Mood swings and depression may also result from biotin deficiency. A more easier narration of these symptoms are listed below:
- Dry irritated skin (infected fungal of the skin)
- Brittle hair or hair loss
- Lack of energy or chronic fatig ue
- Digestive and intestinal tract issues
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nerve damage
- Mood changes
- Cramps
- Tingling in the limbs
- Cognitive impairments
There are 6 signs of Biotin Deficiency, and they are:
1. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a condition where the skin swells and is considered one of the common symptoms of biotin deficiency. This disease causes flaking and itching on the scalp that may lead to balding. Children who are affected by this condition may suffer from muscle pain and hair problems. Symptoms such as thinning of hair, red-scaly skin and brittle nails are common signs of biotin deficiency. A proper supplement of biotin may reduce muscle cramps in kids.
2. Hyperesthesia and Paraesthesia
Hyperesthesia are when infants who are experiencing biotin deficiency may suffer from a condition
where the stimulation of the sense organ experiences an abnormal increase. Paraesthesia is a condition wherein the skin feels the sensation of pricking and tingling, followed by numbness.
3. Keratoconjunctivitis
Keratoconjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva of the eyes. The immunity of the affected person will be lowered and defects in B and T cells will occur. The deficiency in the cells reduces the cell count, and consequently, the ability to fight against the invasion of harmful bacteria or a virus is substantially reduced.
4. Anorexia
Anorexia is a condition that causes the person to suffer from low appetite. Biotin deficiency in children hinders their physical and mental growth. Meanwhile, adults who have biotin deficiency may suffer from lethargy, depressions, lack of sensation or excess sensation, and hallucinations.
5. Anemia
Anemia is a condition where your oxygen-carrying cells called haemoglobin to lose their ability to bind oxygen. Some of the symptoms of anemia include fatigue. Loss of concentration. Difficulty in breathing, heart failure and others.
6. Irregular Electrocardiographic activity of heart
Electrocardiographic activity refers to the electrical activity of the heart, as interpreted by skin electrodes. People who are experiencing biotin deficiency may suffer from irregular electrocardiographic activity of heart which can lead to serious heart conditions.
Treatment and Prevention
Biotin deficiency can easily be treated and prevented by taking biotin tablet supplements. These
provide the extra biotin the body needs if it’s having trouble making its own. Those consuming raw egg whites should stop immediately and supplement with biotin or a good B-complex vitamin and the symptoms should go away on their own.
You can prevent biotin deficiency through a good diet that includes foods rich in biotin such as carrots, cauliflower, soy products and many more. By eating a healthy nutrient diet in plant foods and fibre, which create a healthy environment for bacteria that produce biotin.
Fortunately, biotin deficiency is considered very rare, unless you have an underlying illness that contributes to a biotin deficiency or you’re taking medication, you shouldn’t worry about a biotin deficiency.