Biotin (vitamin B7) solution for injection, 2 ml, 50 ampoules: profile, composition and research

Reference page for Biotin (vitamin B7) solution for injection, 2 ml, 50 ampoules. Active substance: Биотин (витамин B7) / Biotin (vitamin B7).

Key facts

What biotin is

Biotin, also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble compound that several key enzymes need in order to function. The body cannot store it for long, so a regular supply matters. The product described here is a solution for injection in 2 ml vials, 50 vials per pack.

Small amounts of biotin are produced by the gut flora and more comes from food. The compound takes part in reactions that move carbon atoms around, for instance when fats, amino acids and carbohydrates are broken down.

The injectable form is a medicine, not a dietary supplement. The solution is given by healthcare professionals, and injecting it yourself is not acceptable.

The role of biotin in metabolism

A cofactor for carboxylases

Biotin is tightly bound to four enzymes of the carboxylase class. Without it these enzymes do not work: they attach a carbon-dioxide unit to other molecules, and that step opens the way for the reactions that follow.

Fats and carbohydrates

One carboxylase starts the building of fatty acids, while another takes part in making glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Biotin therefore matters both in ordinary nutrition and in periods when the body draws on its reserves.

Breakdown of amino acids

A third carboxylase is involved in processing certain amino acids. When this step is disturbed, intermediate products build up in the blood, which is what happens in severe deficiency.

When biotin deficiency is considered

Marked deficiency is uncommon, because the vitamin is found in a wide range of foods and part of it is supplied by gut bacteria. It can nevertheless occur in long-standing bowel disease, in malabsorption and in some inherited conditions.

The best-known inherited cause is a shortage of the enzyme biotinidase, which splits biotin in the gut and returns it to circulation. In severe cases a child develops neurological and skin symptoms, and treatment requires medical supervision.

Another factor is prolonged intake of large amounts of raw egg white: a protein it contains binds biotin and prevents its absorption. Suspicion of deficiency is confirmed by laboratory testing rather than by outward signs.

What the research shows

A review in the Journal of Nutrition (2017) traces biotin from nutrition to therapeutic use and notes that clear clinical indications remain limited. A paper in Subcellular Biochemistry (2012) describes the biochemical and physiological sides of the vitamin.

A separate review in Skin Appendage Disorders (2017) examines the popular use of biotin for hair loss and observes that convincing evidence of benefit in people without deficiency is scarce. An article on multiple carboxylase deficiency (1997) describes inherited disorders of biotin metabolism.

In short, science understands well how biotin works in metabolism, but there is little confirmation of benefit from taking it just in case in healthy people. That is worth keeping in mind.

Published research

Primary sources, verified against PubMed:

• Biotin: From Nutrition to Therapeutics., PubMed 28701385 (J Nutr, 2017).
• A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss., PubMed 28879195 (Skin Appendage Disord, 2017).
• Biotin: biochemical, physiological and clinical aspects., PubMed 22116691 (Subcell Biochem, 2012).
• Multiple carboxylase deficiency: inherited and acquired disorders of biotin metabolism., PubMed 9350481 (Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 1997).

Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.

Precautions

• Injectable biotin is supplied on prescription and used on a physician's instructions; it is a medicine, not a dietary supplement.
• The solution is given by healthcare professionals. Self-injection is not acceptable.
• When deficiency is suspected, the diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing rather than outward signs.
• Biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests, so its use should be reported to the doctor and the laboratory.
• In pregnancy and breastfeeding the decision belongs to a physician.
• Store the product as directed in the manufacturer's information, out of the reach of children.

Frequently asked