Biotin (B7)
What is Biotin (B7)?
Biotin is an essential nutrient that helps the body break down nutrients for energy production. Recent studies have found that children with autism are at risk of biotin deficiency, which may affect cognitive performance and immune function. Supplementation may improve these concerns.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is one of the eight B vitamins and can only be obtained from the diet [1].
It serves as a coenzyme for many reactions including, the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as well as cell growth and replication [1].
Like all the other B vitamins biotin is water-soluble, which means that the body is unable to store it. Because of this, it is important to consume biotin in adequate amounts daily [1].
Research has shown that children with autism consume less biotin than typically-developing children, and that supplementation can be helpful in improving behavior and metabolic processes [2, 3].
Food Sources of Biotin
Biotin can be found in varying amounts in many foods. It is found in the highest concentrations within organ meats, eggs, and fish. Certain processing techniques like canning can decrease biotin content within foods [1].
Recommended Intake
Currently, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established for biotin. Instead, experts have established Adequate Intakes (AIs) - the amount assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy - for all ages based on usual biotin intakes in healthy populations [1].
Males and Females
o-6 months: 5 mcg
7-12 months: 6 mcg
1-3 years: 8 mcg
4-8 years: 12 mcg
9-13 years: 20 mcg
14-18 years: 25 mcg
19+ years: 30 mcg
Deficiency
Biotin deficiency is rare. However, the risk of deficiency is increased in individuals with genetic disorders who are unable to properly digest and absorb biotin [1]
Symptoms of deficiency may include [4]:
Thinning hair
Brittle nails
Scaly skin rashes around the eyes, nose, and mouth
Numbness, and tingling of the extremities
Impaired immune system function leading to increased susceptibility of infections
Individuals at increased risk for biotin inadequacy include [1]:
People with restrictive diets and poor intake of biotin food sources
Those with biotinidase deficiency
Individuals with chronic alcohol exposure
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Toxicity
There is currently no evidence in humans that biotin is toxic at high doses. Because of its low potential for toxicity, no tolerable upper limit has been established [1].
Supplements
Biotin can be found as a single-nutrient supplement or included in B-complex and multivitamin supplements [1]. The supplements will tell you the amount and the percentage of each on the supplement facts label.
Examples
B Complex
Biotin-only supplement
Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Biotin & Autism in the Research
Deficiency
Lower levels of biotin have been found in children with autism compared to typically developing children [2].
Supplementation
Supplementation of biotin has shown to benefit the nutritional and metabolic status and improve autism symptoms [2, 5].
Research suggests that biotin can be helpful in improving behavior, intellectual ability or school performance, and hair/nail growth in children with autism [3, 6]
A case report of a 6-year-old boy with sensory processing disorder tested positive for biotin deficiency and dysbiosis. After several months of high-dose biotin supplementation and herbal treatment for dysbiosis, he was able to transition from special needs classes requiring sensory support into mainstream classes as a neurotypical child with age-appropriate language and learning skills and resolution of abnormal sensory behaviors. [3]
Cognitive Performance
A deficiency of biotin may affect cognitive performance [7].
Inflammation
Decreased biotin levels in the body have been correlated with intestinal inflammation [8].
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[1] National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin. National Institutes of Health; 2020. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
[2] Adams JB, Audhya T, McDonough-Means S, et al. Effect of a vitamin/mineral supplement on children and adults with autism. BMC Pediatrics. 2011;11(1):111.
[3] Clayton G, Carrera HA, Martin ER, Morrison D, Bawazir AA. A biomedical approach via telemedicine in the treatment of a child with sensory processing disorder using diet and high-dose biotin intervention: a case report. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018;17(4):52-58.
[4] Saleem F, Soos MP. Biotin deficiency. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
[5] Spilioti M, Evangeliou AE, Tramma D, et al. Evidence for treatable inborn errors of metabolism in a cohort of 187 Greek patients with autism spectrum disorder (Asd). Front Hum Neurosci. 2013;7.
[6] Benke PJ, Duchowny M, McKnight D. Biotin and acetazolamide for treatment of an unusual child with autism plus lack of nail and hair growth. Pediatric Neurology. 2018;79:61-64.
[7] Huskisson E, Maggini S, Ruf M. The influence of micronutrients on cognitive function and performance. J Int Med Res. 2007;35(1):1-19.
[8] Skupsky J, Sabui S, Hwang M, Nakasaki M, Cahalan MD, Said HM. Biotin supplementation ameliorates murine colitis by preventing nf-κb activation. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020;9(4):557-567.
Authors
Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
April Allen, Dietetic Intern
Laura Flournoy, Dietetic Intern
