Is biotin vitamin b
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Biotin: A Vital Component of the Vitamin B Complex
Introduction to Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B complex group. It plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid catabolism7. Biotin is not synthesized by mammals and must be obtained from dietary sources such as plant-based foods, yeast, liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, egg yolk, poultry, and cow’s milk3.
Biotin's Role in Metabolism and Gene Expression
Biotin functions as a prosthetic group for enzymes known as biotin-dependent carboxylases. These enzymes are essential for key metabolic reactions, including the conversion of nutrients into energy7. Additionally, biotin modulates the expression of up to 2000 genes, influencing immune function and other physiological processes3 7.
Biotin and Psychological Health
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of biotin in mental health. Higher dietary intake of biotin has been associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This suggests that biotin, along with other B vitamins, plays a significant role in maintaining psychological well-being1.
Biotin in Dairy Cows
Biotin supplementation has been extensively studied in dairy cows to evaluate its effects on lactation performance and metabolic health. Supplementing dairy cows with biotin has been shown to increase milk yield and improve the composition of milk, particularly in terms of protein and lactose content2 4 5. However, the combined supplementation of biotin with other B vitamins like folic acid and vitamin B12 did not show additive effects on lactation performance4 5.
Biotin's Antioxidant Properties
Biotin also acts as an antioxidant, inhibiting the effects of free radicals. This property has been utilized in studies involving broiler chickens exposed to oxidative stress. Supplementing their diet with biotin improved their productivity and physiological traits, such as body weight and feed conversion ratio, while reducing oxidative stress markers9.
Biotin Supplementation and Bioavailability
A novel form of biotin, magnesium biotinate, has been developed to enhance biotin's solubility and bioavailability. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium biotinate is well absorbed into the bloodstream and tissues, making it a promising supplement for increasing biotin levels in the body6.
Conclusion
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in metabolism, gene expression, and overall health. Its benefits extend from improving mental health to enhancing lactation performance in dairy cows and reducing oxidative stress in broiler chickens. The development of more bioavailable forms of biotin, such as magnesium biotinate, further underscores its importance in nutrition and health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Dietary 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.
Rigorous JournalLactation 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.
RCTMethods for assessment of biotin (Vitamin B7)
This paper reviews methods for assessing biotin levels in foods, blood, serum/plasma, and urine, and highlights the importance of detecting functional biotin deficiency using multiple carboxylase deficiency.
Combined 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.
RCTRigorous 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.
RCT
Animal StudyRigorous JournalPharmacokinetics of a Novel Form of Biotin, Magnesium Biotinate, in Healthy Subjects (P06-027-19).
Magnesium biotinate is a bioavailable form of biotin, with increasing blood levels associated with increasing dose levels in healthy female subjects.
RCT
Very Rigorous 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
Highly CitedCombined 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 JournalThe 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.
RCTResponse 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.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous Journal