Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency Symptoms


Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency Symptoms include hair loss, brittle hair, tiredness, rashes around the mouth, nose and genital area, dry eyes, sleeplessness, dry skin, scaly skin, loss of appetite etc.

Deficiency Symptoms of Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Here are some deficiency symptoms of Biotin (Vitamin B7):

You May Get Tired Easily

Fatigue or tiredness is a common symptom of biotin deficiency. Like other B-complex vitamins, biotin converts carbohydrates, proteins and fat from the food you eat into energy which is used by the body for daily activities.

Insufficiency of energy due to lack of biotin can make you feel tired and weak. Mitochondria are the power-houses of the cells. Deficiency of biotin suppresses the ability of the mitochondrial cells to generate energy. Hence, by getting enough biotin, you can boost your energy levels and remain active. (1)

Poor Hair Health

Biotin is a part of various beauty and skin care products because it enhances the overall health of the skin, hair and nails. Biotin promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. It makes your hair look healthier and prevents hair loss and its discoloration.

Biotin further nurtures hair follicles and scalp and restores damaged hair. Some studies have reported that insufficiency of biotin can lead to hair loss and alopecia. Low levels of biotin in the body may manifest in the form of dry, thin and brittle hair. Therefore, taking biotin supplements or eating foods rich in biotin can help treat weak and damaged hair. (2)

Causes Dermatitis

Deficiency of vitamin B7 or biotin affects the skin negatively and causes skin inflammation and irritation. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common form of dermatitis found in individuals with biotin insufficiency. This causes dryness of the skin and skin lesions. This state can be reversed by increasing the overall biotin intake. (3)

Affects Brain Health

Biotin plays a pivotal role in brain health. Deficiency of biotin is associated with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and seizures. Biotin protects the outer covering of the nerves of the brain and spinal cord and thus protects it against damage.

In the absence of biotin, this outer covering can be ruptured which can lead to multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, biotin enhances the health of brain cells, improves cognition and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Without biotin, the brain cannot function properly and hence, it can negatively impact the quality of life. (4)

Impairs Fat Synthesis

Biotin is required for the synthesis of fat, which in turn plays various roles in the body. In the absence of biotin, fat cannot be used as a source of energy by the body. Abnormalities of fatty acid composition are often detected in individuals with such a deficiency. Insufficiency of biotin increases the risk of developing fatty liver. Less of fat is used for the energy production and more of it is stored in the liver of individuals with low biotin status. (5, 6)

Causes Fungal Infections

People who have low levels of biotin in the blood are at an increased risk of developing fungal infections. Such an infection causes reddening of the skin and makes the skin dry, rough and scaly.

Biotin interferes with the growth and multiplication of the fungus and prevents against further damage. Individuals with biotin deficiency cannot fight against such an infection. Hence, biotin can be a great addition to the treatment of fungal infections.

Recommended Readings

Ask a Question

Your email address will not be published.