Biotin b vitamin
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The Role of Biotin (Vitamin B7) in Health and Metabolism
Introduction to Biotin and Its Biological Significance
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for various metabolic processes. It acts as a cofactor for carboxylases, enzymes that play crucial roles in the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose4 10. Biotin is widely distributed in microorganisms, plants, and animals, and its biosynthesis involves a multi-step process starting from pimelic acid4.
Biotin in Dairy Cow Lactation Performance
Effects on Milk Yield and Composition
Several studies have investigated the impact of biotin supplementation on dairy cows. Supplementing dairy cows with biotin has been shown to increase dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield. For instance, cows receiving 20 mg/day of biotin exhibited higher milk yields and increased yields of milk protein and lactose compared to control groups1. Additionally, combined supplementation of biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 during the transition period improved milk yield and total solid yields, although the effects were not additive when biotin was combined with other B vitamins2 8.
Metabolic and Hormonal Effects
Biotin, along with folic acid and vitamin B12, influences energy and protein metabolism in dairy cows. Supplementation with these vitamins has been associated with increased plasma concentrations of their respective vitamins, improved energy metabolism, and enhanced efficiency of nutrient utilization2 7. However, biotin supplementation alone did not significantly improve responses to folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation2.
Biotin and Psychological Health
Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Biotin plays a vital role in brain function and psychological health. A cross-sectional study involving 7,387 Iranian adults found that higher dietary intake of biotin was associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This suggests that biotin, along with other B vitamins, may have protective effects against psychological disorders3.
Biotin in Poultry and Oxidative Stress
Impact on Broiler Chickens
Biotin supplementation has also been studied in broiler chickens exposed to oxidative stress. Adding biotin to the diet of these chickens improved their productive and physiological performance. Specifically, biotin supplementation led to increased body weight, better feed conversion ratios, and improved blood lipid profiles, indicating its potential as an antioxidant5.
Biotin and Hair Health
Clinical Efficacy vs. Social Popularity
Despite the widespread belief in biotin's benefits for hair growth and quality, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. A review of the literature revealed no clinical trials investigating biotin's efficacy for treating alopecia or improving hair quality in humans. The popularity of biotin supplements for hair health appears to be driven more by social media and market advertising than by scientific evidence6.
Conclusion
Biotin is a crucial B vitamin involved in various metabolic processes, including fatty acid synthesis, amino acid catabolism, and glucose metabolism. It has demonstrated benefits in improving lactation performance in dairy cows and mitigating oxidative stress in broiler chickens. Additionally, higher dietary intake of biotin is associated with better psychological health. However, the evidence supporting biotin's role in hair health remains unsubstantiated. Further research is needed to fully understand the diverse roles of biotin in human and animal health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Lactation performance by dairy cows fed supplemental biotin and a B-vitamin blend.
Supplemental biotin and a B-vitamin blend can improve milk yield in dairy cows, but not through improved hoof health.
RCTCombined biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplementation given during the transition period to dairy cows: Part I. Effects on lactation performance, energy and protein metabolism, and hormones.
Combined biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplementation during the transition period improves lactation performance, energy and protein metabolism, and hormones in dairy cows.
RCT
Rigorous JournalDietary intake of B vitamins and their association with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms: A cross-sectional, population-based survey.
Higher intake of dietary B vitamins, particularly biotin, is associated with a lower prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in the general population.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalBiological significance and development of practical synthesis of biotin
Biotin, a B series vitamin, plays crucial roles in metabolism and has potential as an anti-diabetes drug.
The Effectiveness of Biotin (Vitamin B7) Added to the Diet in Improving the Efficiency of Productivity, and Some Physiological Traits for Broiler Chickens (Ross-308) Exposed to Oxidative Stress.
Adding vitamin B7 in different concentrations to the diet of broiler chickens exposed to oxidative stress improves productivity and some physiological traits compared to negative and positive control treatments.
RCTThe Infatuation With Biotin Supplementation: Is There Truth Behind Its Rising Popularity? A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy versus Social Popularity.
Biotin supplementation's popularity is disproportionate to its insufficient clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in hair improvement, with no randomized controlled trials or clinical trials examining its effect on hair quantity or quality.
Literature ReviewResponse to a glucose tolerance test in early-lactation Holstein cows receiving a supplementation of biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
Cows receiving a B8 supplement had reduced insulin sensitivity in early lactation, but insulin response was faster for B9B12+ cows, but this did not translate into further improvements after glucose administration.
RCT
Animal StudyRigorous JournalEffect of dietary supplements of biotin, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12, or both on postpartum lactation performance in multiparous dairy cows.
Intramuscular vitamin B12 injections improve feed intake, lactation performance, and lower body weight loss in dairy cows, while biotin supplements increase milk protein and lactose yield, but their combined effect on lactation performance is not additive.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalCombined biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplementation given during the transition period to dairy cows: Part II. Effects on energy balance and fatty acid composition of colostrum and milk.
Combined biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplementation during the transition period improves energy balance and fatty acid composition in dairy cows, while B8 supplementation has no effect.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalBiotin in metabolism, gene expression, and human disease
Biotin plays a crucial role in metabolism, gene expression, and may help alleviate neurological disorders through its role in activating carboxylases.
Literature Review
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