Biotin deficiency is very rare worldwide. Only a
few conditions are known to cause biotin deficiency.
Two rare inherited genetic disorders cause the body to
need excessive amounts of biotin.
These disorders are
treated with high-dose biotin supplements. Prolonged
(months or years) consumption of raw egg whitescan
also cause a deficiency.
A protein in raw egg whites
binds biotin and makes it unavailable to the body.
Cooking the egg releases the biotin. Receiving all nutrition
through intravenous feeding (total parenteral
nutrition or TPN) for an extended period may also
lead to a shortage of biotin in the body.
Symptoms of biotin deficiency include skin and
hair problems, such as a red scaly rash on the face,
increased susceptibility to fungal infections, brittle
hair, and hair loss. Individuals may also develop seizures,
problems with coordination, and muscle cramps.
Biotin deficiency has not been known to cause death.
These symptoms have many other causes that should
be considered first because biotin deficiency is so rare.
