Biotin

Biotin is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes in humans and in other organisms, primarily related to the utilization of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. The name biotin, borrowed from the German Biotin, derives from the Ancient Greek βίοτος (bíotos; ‘life’) and the suffix “-in” (used in chemistry to indicate ‘forming’).

AKA vitamin B7 or vitamin H

newborn screening

includes test for

Biotinidase deficiency

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder in which biotin is not released from proteins in the diet during digestion or from normal protein turnover in the cell. This situation results in biotin deficiency. Functionally, there is no significant difference between dietary biotin deficiency and genetic loss of biotin-related enzyme activity. The symptoms of biotinidase deficiency (and dietary deficiency) can be quite severe. A 2004 case study from Metametrix found effects of biotin deficiency included aggression, cognitive delay, and reduced immune function.In both cases, supplementation with biotin can often restore normal metabolic function. (Wikipedia)

Signs and symptoms of a biotinidase deficiency (BTD) can appear several days after birth. These include seizures, hypotonia and muscle/limb weakness, ataxia, paresis, hearing loss, optic atrophy, skin rashes (including seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis), and alopecia. If left untreated, the disorder can rapidly lead to coma and death. Biotinidase deficiency can also appear later in life. This is referred to as "late-onset" biotinidase deficiency. The symptoms are similar, but perhaps more mild, because if an individual survives the neonatal period they likely have some residual activity of biotin-related enzymes. (Wikipedia)

cattle

In cattle, biotin is necessary for hoof health. Lameness due to hoof problems is common, with herd prevalence estimated at 10 to 35%. (Wikipedia)

horses

For horses, conditions such as chronic laminitis, cracked hooves, or dry, brittle feet incapable of holding shoes are a common problem. (Wikipedia)

Studies report biotin supplementation improves the growth of new hoof horn rather than improving the status of existing hoof, so months of supplementation are needed for the hoof wall to be completely replaced.

According to the Global Fortification Data Exchange, whatever that is, biotin deficiency is so rare that (despite newborn screening for biotin deficiency in all the states and several countries beginning in 1984), no countries require that foods be fortified.

BIOTIN