----- Original Message -----
From: Jo Webb <[log in to unmask]>
>
> Hi Kath,
>
> What is biotin, and why is it important?
> Thanks,
>
Jo, here's some info re. biotin and why I always eat a little yolk with the
egg white:


Biotin
Author/s: Patricia Skinner


Description
Biotin is a member of the B complex family, but is not actually a vitamin.
It is a coenzyme that works with them. Also known as vitamin H and coenzyme
R, it was first isolated and described in 1936. It is water soluble and very
unstable; it can be destroyed by heat, cooking, exposure to light, soaking,
and prolonged contact with water, baking soda, or any other alkaline
element. The body obtains biotin from food and can also synthesize this
nutrient from bacteria in the gut.

General use
Biotin is utilized by every cell in the body and contributes to the health
of skin, hair, nerves, bone marrow, sex glands, and sebaceous glands. Apart
from being a vital cofactor to several enzymes, biotin is essential in
carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of fatty acids. It is also
involved in the transformation of amino acids into protein. Biotin plays a
role in cell growth and division through its role in the manufacture of DNA
and RNA, the genetic components of cells.

Adequate biotin is required for healthy nails and hair, and biotin
deficiency is known to be a factor in balding and the premature graying of
hair. It has been claimed that, as part of an orthomolecular regime, it can
reverse the graying of hair. When PABA and biotin are taken together in
adequate amounts they can restore hair color. Biotin supplements will also
effectively treat weak, splitting nails.

Biotin can be a valuable tool to combat yeast infections, which are
notoriously difficult to eradicate. In their book The Yeast Syndrome, John
Parks Trowbridge and Morton Walker describe how adequate levels of biotin
can prevent Candida albicans from developing from its yeast-like state into
fungal form, in which it sends out mycelium that further invade body organs.

Seborrheic dermatitis, or Leiner's disease, which is a non-itchy, red
scaling rash affecting infants during the first three months of life, is
also treated with biotin and other B complex vitamins.

Biotin has been used in conjunction with other nutrients as part of weight
loss programs, as it aids in the digestion and breakdown of fats.

High doses of biotin are sometimes used by the allopathic medical profession
to treat diabetes since it enhances sensitivity to insulin and effectively
increases levels of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. Biotin is also
used to treat peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, and those
with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who suffer from metabolic deficiencies.

Biotin can be found in beans, breads, brewer's yeast, cauliflower,
chocolate, egg yolks, fish, kidney, legumes, liver, meat, molasses, dairy
products, nuts, oatmeal, oysters, peanut butter, poultry, wheat germ, and
whole grains.