Biotin is commonly found in food in two forms: the free form and the protein bound
coenzyme form called biocytin. Biotin is absorbed from the small intestines, whereas
the biocytin form is not.
Functions of biotin
As a coenzyme, biotin is:
1. involved in energy metabolism in the TCA cycle.
2. is part of at least 4 enzymes, involved in transport and transfer of carbon
dioxide.
3. plays a role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the oxidation of
carbohydrates.
4. stimulates protein synthesis.
5. is involved in the deamination some amino acid.
6. is involved in the synthesis of nicotinic acid and digestive enzyme pancreatic
amylase and in antibody formation.
Dietary sources
Biotin is present in nearly all foods mostly bound to protein. The richest sources are
liver, kidney, peanut butter and egg yolk. Some vegetables such as cauliflower, nuts
and legumes contain good amounts. Some biotin is synthesized by bacteria in the
intestinal tract. Human milk is poor in biotin (less than a tenth of that found in cows
milk).
Deficiency of biotin
Deficiency of biotin is rare. Consumption of many raw eggs may lead to deficiency as
the biotin is bound by a chemical known as avidin, which makes it unabsorbable.
Avidin is a protein in raw egg white which binds biotin. Symptoms of biotin
deficiency resemble those of thiamin deficiency and include dermatitis, loss of
appetite, nausea, mental depression and glossitis.
Titany answered the question on November 8, 2021 at 05:38
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