Page 215 - Biochemistry PharmD General

5. Biotin

• Biotin is a co-enzyme in carboxylation reactions, in
which it serves as a carrier of activated carbon
dioxide.

• Biotin deficiency does not occur naturally because the
vitamin is widely distributed in food and is supplied by
intestinal bacteria. However, the addition of high
amounts of raw egg white to the diet tightly binds
biotin (through complex with avidin in egg white)
preventing its absorption. Symptoms of biotin
deficiency include dermatitis, glossitis, loss of
appetite and nausea.

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