What Foods Contain Biotin?

Biotin (vitamin B7) plays an important role in several of the human body's metabolic reactions and cell growth. It is partially responsible for carbon dioxide transfer in enzymes, the release of energy from food and maintaining blood sugar levels. Biotin deficiency is rare as it is readily available in many foods.

Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency

Symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss, skin rash, weight loss, muscle pains, tongue inflammation, nausea, high cholesterol, mental depression and localized loss of sensation.

Biotin Daily Requirements

The daily requirements of biotin vary by age and sex as follows:
Infants 0-12 months: 6 micrograms
Children 1-3 years: 8 micrograms
Children 4-8 years: 12 micrograms
Children 9-13 years: 20 micrograms
Children 14-18 years: 25 micrograms
Adults 19+ years: 30 micrograms
Pregnant females: 30 micrograms
Lactating females: 35 micrograms

Foods Containing Biotin

There are a variety of foods rich in biotin. The richest source is nuts (peanuts, filberts, almonds, peanut butter). A half cup of peanuts yields more than double the daily requirement of biotin for adults. Smaller amounts of biotin (anywhere from 3 to 8.5 micrograms per serving) are found in tuna, pork, banana, papaya, carrots, avocado, tomato sauce, nonfat milk, salmon, swiss chard, sweet potato, haddock, lowfat yogurt, cashews, cooked egg and soy protein isolate.

Fun Fact

Biotin is sometimes recommended to combat brittle hair and nails. It is commonly found in hair and nail beauty products.

Warning

Regular consumption of raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency.

Resources

• Northwestern University
• New World Encyclopedia