TLDR Serum biotin levels can indicate biotin deficiency in sows.
The study involved 16 test gilts fed an egg white-fortified diet and 4 control gilts on an egg white-free diet over two parities to monitor serum biotin levels and biotin deficiency symptoms. Serum biotin in test gilts decreased significantly over 15 months, with early symptoms like lesions, hoof cracks, hair loss, and dry skin appearing after 6 months and worsening over time. Control gilts maintained high serum biotin levels and showed no symptoms. The study concluded that serum biotin levels could serve as a sensitive indicator of biotin deficiency in sows, proposing a system to evaluate biotin status based on serum levels and clinical symptoms.
9 citations
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February 1984 in “Zentralblatt für Veterinärmedizin Reihe A” Biotin is essential for healthy skin and claws in pigs.
2 citations
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July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks” Some supplements may help with hair loss, but there's not enough strong evidence to recommend them without doctor advice.
2 citations
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January 2019 in “Elsevier eBooks” Biotin supplements are unnecessary for most people but may help with certain conditions like biotin deficiency, brittle nails, and some hair loss.
September 2009 in “European journal of paediatric neurology” Biotin supplements did not significantly reduce hair loss in rats on valproic acid.
98 citations
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October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Eating the right nutrients can improve hair health, but taking extra supplements usually doesn't help unless you have a deficiency.
22 citations
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September 2008 in “Brain & development” Biotin supplements increased biotin levels but did not significantly prevent hair loss in rats on valproic acid.
