The Influence of Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine Treatment on Serum Biotin and Zinc Levels and on Biotinidase Activity

In a study from 2011, researchers evaluated the serum levels of biotin, zinc, and biotinidase enzyme activity in 20 children on valproic acid, 10 children on carbamazepine, and 75 healthy controls. They found no significant differences in serum biotin and biotinidase activity across the groups. However, zinc levels were lower in both patient groups compared to controls, yet still within the normal range. Notably, 3 patients on valproic acid experienced hair loss despite normal serum levels of the studied nutrients and enzyme activity, but their alopecia resolved after 3 months of oral biotin supplementation at 10 mg/day. This suggests that valproic acid treatment does not significantly alter serum levels of biotin, zinc, and biotinidase enzyme activity.