TLDR A rare biotin deficiency in an Iraqi family caused severe symptoms but was successfully treated with lifelong biotin.
A rare case of biotin deficiency was reported in a family from Wasit Province, involving seven children, three of whom died before diagnosis. Symptoms included ataxia, hypotonia, developmental delay, conjunctivitis, skin rash, dermatitis, alopecia, hearing difficulty, breathing problems, and recurrent chest infections. Diagnosis was confirmed through a therapeutic trial with vitamin replacement and a biotinidase enzyme assay conducted in France. The surviving children are now doing well on lifelong treatment with activated biotin.
Older people tend to have higher biotin levels, which are weakly linked to certain blood components and negatively linked to triglycerides; biotin should be checked in patients with high triglycerides or medication-related skin issues, and only supplemented if deficient. Vitamin D and folate deficiencies are linked to specific skin conditions.
184 citations
,
August 1983 in “The journal of pediatrics/The Journal of pediatrics” Biotinidase deficiency has various symptoms and can be treated with biotin supplements.
134 citations
,
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.
March 2000 in “Preventive Nutrition and Food Science” Whalgichan improved hair growth, reduced hair loss, and enhanced cholesterol and lipid metabolism without side effects.
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.
