Biotin, also known as Vitamin H or Coenzyme R, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin founded withe Bateman in 1916. It is composed of an uredo ring fused by a tetrahydrothiophene ring. A valeric acid substituent is attached to one of the carbon atoms of the tetra hydrothiophene ring. Biotin is a coenzyme in the metabolism of fatty acids, isoleucine, and valine, and it plays a role in gluconeogenesis. Biotin is vital for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. It plays a role in the citric acid cycle, that is the process with which biochemical energy is generated during aerobic respiration. Biotin not only assists in diversion metabolic reactions but also helps to transfer carbon dioxide. Biotin may also be helpful in keeping a steady blood sugar level. Biotin is often advocated for strengthening hair and nails. As a consequence, it is found in many cosmetics and health products for the hair and skin, though it cannot be absorbed through the hair or skin itself. Biotin scarcity is rare because, in general, intestinal bacteria produce biotin in excess of the body's daily requirements. For which reason, statutory agencies in many countries, for example the USA and Australia, don't prescribe an advocated daily intake of biotin. Therefore, a number of metabolic disorders in that an individual's metabolism of biotin is abnormal exist. Incidence of biotin scarcity has-been found occasionally when humans and animals have consumed excessive quantities of raw eggs that contain a biotin completing factor (avidin). Likewise, biotin scarcity is reported in children by inborn errors of metabolism when there are insufficient biotin-dependent enzymes. Such cases in children respond dramatically to high-level dietary supplementations by biotin.
