Everyone Healthy Library
Biotin Deficiency
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
Connected health information
Explore this condition in a clear order
Condition overview
Attributes
Linked signs and symptoms
12Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.
Linked drugs / medications
0No linked drugs are listed yet.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
0Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
No linked treatment or supportive options are listed yet.
Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
0No linked diagnostic tests are listed yet.
Biological and test markers
0This visual map uses existing EH database links to show biological agents and lab markers reported as increased, decreased, or associated with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
No biological marker links are listed yet for this condition.
Introduction / full article
Biotin Deficiency
Biotin deficiency
Biotin is a member of the B-complex vitamins essential to maintain body function. It converts carbohydrates into energy and also aids in fat and protein metabolism. [1] When there is lack of biotin, a nutritional disorder called biotin deficiency results.
Animal organ meats like liver and kidney are said to be the best source of biotin. [1] Other good sources are egg yolk, milk, soya, barley and Brewer's yeast. [2] The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin by the U.S. is only 300 micrograms/day making true biotin deficiency uncommon. [3]
Causes
Egg whites have been found out to contain proteins which inhibit biotin absorption therefore consumption of large amounts of egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency. [4]
People at risk for developing biotin deficiency are patients taking anticonvulsant drugs and those on prolonged antibiotics. [3] The condition can also arise from genetic mutations in the biotinidase gene (BTD). Patients on total parenteral nutrition can also develop biotin deficiency hence it is recommended that biotin supplementation be given. [5
Signs and Symptoms
Early manifestations are related to skin and hair. Dry skin with seborrheic dermatitis is a typical finding. [6] Skin lesions may precipitate fungal infections. Periorofacial rash is a common finding and the hair may become fine and brittle often resulting to hair loss.
About 55% of pediatric patients with biotinidase deficiency have sensorineural hearing loss. The nervous system is affected with the symptoms nonspecific and varying from person to person. Symptoms may include depression, seizures, muscular pains, numbness or tingling sensations and increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Nausea and anorexia may also be present. [5]
Diagnosis
The history of patient is obtained especially his or her diet. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical findings. Some laboratory parameters that may aid in diagnosis include levels of serum ammonia, urine ketone, quantitative plasma amino acid and plasma carnitine. In cases where there are confusing manifestations, MRI and biopsy may be indicated. Profound deficiency of biotinidase can be identified with newborn screening. [5]
Treatment
Patient is given adequate amounts of biotin and is advised to consume well-balanced diet with adequate calories. Treatment also depends on the cause of biotin deficiency. For instance, if anticonvulsant therapy is the underlying cause, the drug is changed to another or a biotin supplement is given. [5]
References:
1. http://www.livestrong.com/article/508268-what-are-the-causes-of-biotin-deficiency/
2. http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/b/biotin_deficiency/intro.htm
3. http://arathi-srikantaiah.suite101.com/what-are-the-causes-of-a-biotin-deficiency-a268902
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/508268-what-are-the-causes-of-biotin-deficiency/
5. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/984803-clinical#a0218