TLDR Biotin should be added to Japanese amino acid formula to prevent deficiency.
An 11-month-old Japanese infant developed biotin deficiency after being fed an amino acid formula and hypoallergenic rice due to allergies to cow milk and soy. The formula, produced in Japan, lacked biotin supplementation because biotin was not allowed as a food additive. Despite normal levels of zinc, essential fatty acids, and biotinidase, the infant's biotin levels were low, leading to symptoms such as skin lesions, lethargy, hypotonia, and alopecia. These symptoms resolved after one week of oral biotin supplementation at 1 mg per day. The study concluded that biotin should be added to the Japanese amino acid formula to prevent deficiency.
50 citations,
May 1985 in “The journal of pediatrics/The Journal of pediatrics” Biotin deficiency in patients on total parenteral nutrition can cause serious symptoms but can be treated with biotin supplements.
6 citations,
April 2019 in “Nutrients” Biotin is important for keeping zinc levels balanced in the skin and its lack can cause hair loss.
January 2020 in “Asian journal of applied science and technology” Good nutrition is crucial for health and preventing disease, and supplements can help prevent nutrient deficiencies.
43 citations,
April 2005 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Biotin supplements improved skin and hair in a biotin-deficient infant on amino acid formula.
79 citations,
January 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” Correcting nutrient deficiencies may help with hair loss, but the benefits of supplements without a deficiency are uncertain and could be harmful.
10 citations,
September 2013 in “Nutrition” The ketogenic diet can worsen biotin deficiency, suggesting a need for biotin supplements.
