Biotin (redirected from vitamin H)

biotin: see vitamin; coenzyme.

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biotin

Organic compound, part of the vitamin B complex, essential for growth and well-being in animals and some microorganisms. A carboxylic acid with two rings in its structure, it includes nitrogen and sulfur atoms as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It functions in the formation and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is widely distributed in nature and is especially abundant in egg yolk, beef liver, and yeast. A biotin deficiency can be induced by consuming large amounts of raw egg white, which contains a protein (avidin) that combines with biotin and makes it unavailable. Biotin is needed to synthesize fatty acids and convert amino acids to glucose in the body.

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biotin

a vitamin of the B complex, abundant in egg yolk and liver, deficiency of which causes dermatitis and loss of hair. Formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃S

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biotin [′bī·ə·tən]

(biochemistry)

C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃S A colorless, crystalline vitamin of the vitamin B complex occurring widely in nature, mainly in bound form.

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Biotin

A vitamin, widespread in nature. It is only sparingly soluble in water; it is stable in boiling water solutions, but can be destroyed by oxidizing agents, acids, and alkalies. Under some conditions, it can be destroyed by oxidation in the presence of rancid fats. Biotin's occurrence in nature is so widespread that it is difficult to prepare a natural deficient diet. Biotin deficiency in animals is associated with dermatitis, loss of hair, muscle incoordination and paralysis, and reproductive disturbances. Biotin deficiency produced in humans by feeding large amounts of egg white resulted in dermatitis, nausea, depression, muscle pains, anemia, and a large increase in serum cholesterol. See Coenzyme

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Biotin 

(vitamin H), a water-soluble vitamin contained in yeasts and other microorganisms, and also in liver, egg yolk, kidneys, milk, cauliflower, and other vegetable products. The daily requirement of humans for biotin (0.25 mg) is usually provided by the microflora of the intestinal tract; it is therefore unnecessary to introduce it in the diet. Biotin has been obtained synthetically.

Avitaminosis H may be produced in laboratory animals by feeding large quantities of raw egg white, which contains a biotin antagonist, avidin, which decomposes when heated to 100° C. Affection of the skin of the seborrheic type is observed in avitaminosis H. Biotin is a coenzyme and participates in the transfer of carbon dioxide gas and its fixation in biosynthesis; its other functions have not been clarified.