What is Biotin?

Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. It is important in a number of metabolic functions in the human body, including cell growth, the synthesis of fatty acids, and the metabolism of the amino acid leucine. Biotin also assists in the Krebs cycle, through which the body converts food into energy, and in the transfer of carbon dioxide within the body.

Biotin deficiency is rare, as intestinal bacteria generally produce an excess of the body's recommended daily requirement. For that reason, statutory agencies in many countries do not prescribe a recommended daily intake of biotin.