TLDR Biotin and biotinidase are essential to prevent health issues, and deficiencies require lifelong supplementation.
The document reviewed the importance of biotin and biotinidase (BTD) in maintaining biotin homeostasis, crucial for preventing deficiency-related health issues such as hair loss, seizures, and dermatitis. It noted that biotin deficiency could result from various factors, including inadequate intake and drug interactions, and was particularly concerning in pregnant women, potentially affecting fetal development. BTD deficiency, often genetic, required lifelong biotin supplementation to prevent severe symptoms and irreversible neurological damage. The incidence of profound BTD deficiency was 1 in 112,271. The document also explored the genetic aspects of BTD, identifying over 110 mutations affecting its activity, and highlighted the need for further research on biotin's role in chromatin structure and genome stability.
73 citations
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October 2001 in “Epilepsia” Children taking higher doses of valproic acid had lower biotinidase activity, which may lead to biotin deficiency, but biotin supplements could help.
26 citations
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May 1984 in “Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition” Biotin supplements restored hair and resolved symptoms in a woman with biotin deficiency.
71 citations
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January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology” Biotin deficiency is not a major cause of hair loss in women, so biotin supplements are not likely to be an effective hair loss treatment.
134 citations
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December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
82 citations
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August 2017 in “Cell Reports” An imbalanced gut and lack of biotin can cause hair loss in mice.
13 citations
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January 2016 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Alternative treatments show promise for hair growth beyond traditional methods.
10 citations
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April 2020 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Biotin supplements improved skin and hair problems in a girl with biotinidase deficiency.
10 citations
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September 2013 in “Nutrition” The ketogenic diet can worsen biotin deficiency, suggesting a need for biotin supplements.
