Biotin (Vitamin B7)

What is it?

Biotin is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. The name is taken from the Greek word bios meaning "life." Without this supplement, certain enzymes do not work properly and various complications can occur involving the skin, intestinal tract, and nervous system. Metabolic problems including very low blood sugars between meals, high blood ammonia, or acidic blood (acidosis) can occur. Death is theoretically possible, although no clear cases have been reported. Recent studies suggest that it is also necessary for processes on the genetic level in cells (DNA replication and gene expression).

Biotin deficiency is extremely rare. This is because daily requirements are relatively small, it is found in many foods, and the body is able to recycle much of the biotin it has already used. Significant toxicity has not been reported in the available literature.

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-biotin.html

The Benefits

Much more than Biotin is discussed back at the Natural Source Vitamins Homepage