Vitamin B7 (BIOTIN)

Biotin (B7) is an important dietary component for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids. It is found primarily in liver, kidney, and muscle. Biotin is an essential cofactor for five carboxylases that catalyze steps in fatty acid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism. It is also important in histone modifications, gene regulation, and cell signaling. Food sources of biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, seeds, and nuts. As a dietary supplement, biotin has been promoted to be useful in the treatment of hair and nail problems, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, yeast infections, and high cholesterol.