Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is of great importance for the biochemistry of the human organism. Biotin is involved in carbon dioxide transfer and therefore essential to the metabolism of carbohydrate and fat. A balanced diet usually contains enough
biotin. Biotin is essential for metabolic reactions involving carbohydrates and fats. Biotin is absorbed by facilitated transport (low concentrations) and passive diffusion (high concentrations) in the upper part of the small intestine. As a prosthetic group of mitochondrial enzymes (carboylases), biotin plays a central role as a CO2-carrier in important metabolic reactions such as gluconeogenesis, synthesis of fatty acids and metabolism of amino acids. Biotin is excreted in the urine. Biotin is relatively stable in heat, light, and oxygen. Biotin is typically found in liver, egg yolk, cereals, legumes and nuts. Intestinal bacteria produce a small amount of biotin, which may be absorbed and contribute to daily needs.
Biotin helps in the synthesis of fatty acids, in energy metabolism, and in the synthesis of amino acids and glucose. Biotin is used for the breakdown and utilization by the body of food and is part of the B vitamin complex. Biotin serves as an essential coenzyme for four carboxylase enzymes, each of which is important in metabolism. Biotin is an important vitamin for helping certain enzymes in the body. Enzymes are natural substances that speed up chemical reactions. Biotin promotes normal health of sweat glands, bone marrow, male gonads, blood cells, nerve tissue, skin, hair. In the body, biotin is found in low concentrations in the brain, liver and muscle tissue. Biotin is utilized to synthesize intracellular carboxylase enzymes and is essential for normal skin and hair growth.