What Is Biotin?
Water-soluble B-complex vitamin Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is essential for energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and the preservation of healthy skin, hair, and nails. The chemical formula is C10H16N2O3S, its molecular weight is 244.31 g/mol, and its CAS number is 58-85-5. When pure, it is a white to off-white crystalline powder that tastes somewhat bitter and has no smell.
It works well in aqueous medicinal and nutritional formulations since it is easily soluble in ethanol and water but insoluble in ether and chloroform. It is utilized extensively in the personal care and nutraceutical industries because of its critical function in carboxylation reactions and its widespread use in cosmetics and health supplements.
Common Sources
The production of biotin (vitamin B7) typically relies on microbial fermentation, where microorganisms produce the vitamin through their metabolic processes. The raw materials commonly used in this production include sugars, amino acids, and other nutrients required for microbial growth. Glucose is one of the primary substrates, providing the necessary energy for the microorganisms. Fermentable carbon sources such as corn syrup and sucrose are also frequently used to support the metabolic process.
To promote the biosynthesis, nitrogen sources (such as ammonia or amino acids), minerals, and vitamins are provided during fermentation. Specific bacteria, yeasts, or fungi (e.g., Ashbya gossypii and Candida species) are commonly used as the microorganisms for biotin production, utilizing their natural metabolic pathways to convert simple organic compounds into biotin. By carefully controlling parameters such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels during fermentation, the production of biotin can be optimized for efficiency.
Additionally, to enhance production yield and purity, genetic engineering techniques may be employed to modify microorganisms, enabling them to produce the powder more efficiently. These methods not only allow for large-scale biotin production but also help reduce production costs while ensuring the final product meets quality and purity standards.
Foods rich in Biotin
- Egg Yolks: One of its natural sources.
- Liver & Organ Meats: High concentrations are found in beef and chicken liver.
- Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds provide reasonable amount.
- Dairy Products: Cheese and milk contribute to daily intake of it.
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms are excellent plant-based sources.
Are Biotin And D-Biotin The Same?
They are related but not exactly the same. Biotin refers to the general compound, which is a water-soluble B-vitamin (B7), essential for various metabolic processes in the body, including the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is commonly found in foods like eggs, nuts, and certain vegetables, and is often taken as a supplement for hair, skin, and nail health.
D-biotin, on the other hand, refers to the specific stereoisomer of biotin, which is the biologically active form of the vitamin. The “D” refers to the chirality of the molecule (its spatial arrangement), and only the D-isomer is active and utilized by the body.
In most contexts, when people refer to biotin, they are referring to D-biotin, as it is the form used in supplements and for the body’s biological functions. So, while both are related, D-isomer is the active form used by the body.
NOTE: As a leading B2B supplier of nutraceutical raw materials, Nutri Avenue specializes in providing high quality ingredients including Biotin to supplement manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, and functional food producers worldwide. We offer this essential beauty and wellness ingredient alongside thousands of other quality raw materials in commercial quantities (25kg, 50kg, 100kg, and larger bulk options) to meet diverse production requirements. Our supplement ingredient undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure optimal potency for hair, skin, and nail formulations, metabolic health products, and nutritional fortification. Focused exclusively on serving business clients, Nutri Avenue combines competitive wholesale pricing with reliable global logistics, giving brands access to consistent, high-quality ingredients with the supply chain stability needed for long-term growth. Whether you’re developing new beauty supplements or enhancing existing formulations, we provide the premium biotin and professional support your business demands. |
What Does Biotin Do?
It is a necessary cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes that catalyze essential metabolic processes. In the small intestine, this water-soluble B vitamin is absorbed by a combination of carrier-mediated transport and passive diffusion. Inside cells, free biotin binds covalently to the ε-amino group of specific lysine residues in carboxylase enzymes through the action of holocarboxylase synthetase.
These biotinylated carboxylases then facilitate crucial biochemical reactions, including fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. The high-quality formulation supplements provide the molecular substrate needed for these enzymatic processes, which is particularly important in rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles and nail matrices. Its powder in pure form allows for precise dosing of this nutrient, which supports the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA (the rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis) through acetyl-CoA carboxylase.
Additionally, it contributes to energy metabolism by enabling pyruvate carboxylase to convert pyruvate to oxaloacetate for entry into the citric acid cycle. The molecular integrity found in its powder formulations ensures optimal function of propionyl-CoA carboxylase and methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, enzymes critical for amino acid catabolism. Beyond its role as a cofactor, it also influences gene expression through the biotinylation of histones, potentially regulating chromatin structure and cell cycle processes.
How to Produce Biotin Powder?
- Initial Raw Material Processing: The production begins with either chemical synthesis from precursors like fumaric acid and urea or through biotechnological methods using specialized microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis or Escherichia coli. These raw materials undergo rigorous quality testing, including identity verification, purity analysis, and contaminant screening. For powder produced via fermentation, the nutrient media components and microbial strains must meet strict specifications before entering the production stream to ensure optimal quality in the final vitamin product.
- Primary Production Method: The crucial production phase employs either chemical synthesis or fermentation under carefully controlled conditions. Manufacturing its supplements requires precise monitoring of reaction parameters in chemical synthesis, including temperature, catalyst concentration, pH, and reaction time. For fermentation processes, oxygen levels, temperature, pH, and nutrient feeding rates are meticulously controlled. These parameters significantly influence the yield, purity, and isomeric composition of the resulting biotin molecule.
- Isolation and Initial Purification: The development of pure powder biotin depends heavily on the isolation phase. This step involves meticulously controlled separation techniques to isolate the vitamin from reaction mixtures or fermentation broths. For fermentation-derive product, this typically includes cell separation, protein precipitation, and initial chromatographic separation. In chemical synthesis, various solvent extractions and preliminary crystallization steps isolate the target molecule. The process significantly influences the purity profile of the intermediate product.
- Advanced Purification: The crude form undergoes multiple purification steps, including ion exchange chromatography, recrystallization, and advanced filtration processes. These steps ensure the removal of synthesis byproducts, microbial components, or other impurities while maintaining the delicate molecular structure. Careful control of pH, temperature, and solvent conditions during purification helps achieve the optimal crystalline form with maximum purity. The manufacturers of its powder employ multiple purification cycles to achieve pharmaceutical or food-grade purity levels exceeding 98%.
- Crystallization: The purified form solution undergoes carefully controlled crystallization to form the final solid product. This phase requires precise management of supersaturation, cooling rates, seed crystal addition, and agitation parameters to achieve optimal crystal size, distribution, and morphology. The crystallization conditions significantly influence the powder final physical properties, including dissolution rate, flowability, and stability. This critical step determines many of the physical characteristics that distinguish the best biotin powder products.
- Drying and Final Processing: The final stages involve specialized drying operations, typically using vacuum or freeze-drying techniques that preserve its molecule’s integrity. This is followed by precise milling and classification operations to achieve target particle size specifications. This phase requires careful control to maintain proper particle size distribution while minimizing the generation of excessive fines that could affect the its flowability and dissolution characteristics. Advanced processing may include microencapsulation or protective coating for enhanced stability.
- Quality Control: Quality assurance throughout production involves comprehensive testing at multiple stages. This includes HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis for purity verification, microbiological testing, moisture determination, and heavy metal analysis. The best biotin powder undergoes additional testing including dissolution rate assessment, isomer composition verification, and particle size distribution analysis. Stability studies under various conditions ensure the it maintains its potency, purity, and physical characteristics throughout its intended shelf life.
Specification Sheet Reference
Property | Details |
Type | Vitamin |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Purity | ≥ 99% |
CAS Number | 58-85-5 |
Molecular Formula | C10H16N2O3S |
Molecular Weight | 244.31 g/mol |
Solubility | Soluble in water & ethanol |
Test Methods | HPLC, UV-Vis |
Certifications | ISO available. Please contact sales team for details. |
MOQs | 25 kg |
Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
OEM Service | Available |
ODM Service | Available |
Private Label | Available |
Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Biotin: Benefits, Side Effects, and More
- Hair Health and Growth Support: Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2022) demonstrates that it significantly contributes to hair health and growth. The study showed that supplementation with high-quality ingredients formulations improved hair growth, thickness, and shine in individuals with thinning hair and deficiency-related hair loss. These benefits stem from biotin’s role in keratin production, the primary structural protein in hair. Clinical data indicates that its powder supplementation at 2-5 mg daily provided optimal results for hair health support when combined with a balanced diet.
- Nail Strength and Integrity: A clinical trial in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2023) revealed that it markedly improves nail strength and reduces brittleness. The research demonstrated that daily supplementation with pharmaceutical-grade powder biotin increased nail thickness by approximately 25% and reduced splitting and breaking in participants with brittle nail syndrome. These improvements became noticeable after 3-6 months of consistent supplementation, with the best powder formulations showing superior bioavailability and efficacy compared to lower-grade products.
- Skin Health Enhancement: Studies in the International Journal of Dermatology (2021) have shown that it provides significant benefits for skin health and appearance. The research indicated improvements in skin hydration, smoothness, and barrier function among participants with dermatitis or skin inflammation. The water-soluble nature of its powder allows for efficient cellular uptake and utilization in skin cells, supporting the synthesis of fatty acids essential for healthy skin membrane structure and function.
- Metabolic Support: Research in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2022) demonstrated that it plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and energy production. The study showed that its optimal status supported balanced blood sugar levels through its role in gluconeogenesis and insulin function. High-purity best biotin powder supplements provide the molecular cofactors needed for proper carboxylase enzyme function, potentially supporting metabolic health and energy production at the cellular level.
- Nervous System Function: Clinical studies in the Journal of Neurology (2023) have established that it supports proper nervous system function and may benefit certain neurological conditions. The research showed that high-dose biotin (significantly above the RDI) influenced myelin sheath formation and energy metabolism in neural tissues. While most commercial supplements provide lower doses, the availability of pharmaceutical-grade compound.
- Pregnancy Support: Recent research in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine (2022) revealed that it increase during pregnancy, making supplementation particularly valuable during this critical period. The study demonstrated that adequate supplementation supported healthy fetal development, particularly neurological development. Pregnant women receiving sufficient it showed lower rates of certain pregnancy complications, highlighting the importance of optimal biotin status during this period of increased metabolic demand.
Side Effects
- Mild Digestive Issues: Some individuals may experience nausea or cramping.
- Skin Rashes: Rare allergic reactions may occur.
- Interference with Lab Tests: High doses can alter blood test results.
FDA Approval: Is Biotin Legal?
- United States (FDA): Recognized as a dietary supplement ingredient.
- European Union (EFSA): Approved for food and supplement use.
- Canada (Health Canada): Permitted as a natural health product.
- Australia (TGA): Approved for use in therapeutic goods.
What is Biotin Used For?
- Hair, Skin & Nail Supplements: Supports beauty and wellness formulations.
- Energy & Metabolism Boosters: Included in multivitamins and health products.
- Prenatal Supplements: Essential for fetal growth and maternal health.
- Neurological Health Support: Aids in cognitive function and nerve protection.
Dosage Recommendation
The typical daily dosage of this compound for general health maintenance ranges from 30 to 100 micrograms (mcg), which aligns with most recommended daily intake levels. For individuals targeting hair, skin, and nail health, higher doses between 2,500 to 5,000 mcg per day are commonly used in over-the-counter supplements.
Clinical applications, such as for biotinidase deficiency, may involve even higher doses—up to 10,000 mcg per day—under medical supervision. It is water-soluble and generally considered safe, but long-term use of high doses should be monitored to avoid potential interference with laboratory test results.
How to Store Biotin Powder?
It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain its stability and effectiveness. It is best kept in a tightly sealed, opaque container to protect it from light and air exposure. Avoid humid environments, as moisture can degrade the quality of the vitamin over time.
Biotin vs Folic Acid
Biotin (vitamin B7) and folic acid (vitamin B9) are water-soluble B-complex vitamins that play essential but distinct roles in human health. Biotin is best known for its role in metabolic functions, acting as a coenzyme in the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. It helps convert food into energy and supports skin, hair, and nail health. Biotin is commonly included in cosmetic and hair supplements due to its perceived beauty-enhancing benefits. Biotin deficiency, although rare, can lead to thinning hair, brittle nails, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms.
On the other hand, folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, is vital for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. It is especially important for rapid cell division and growth during pregnancy and fetal development. Folic acid contributes significantly to red blood cell production and helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns. Additionally, it plays a protective role in cardiovascular health by lowering homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease when elevated. A deficiency in folic acid may lead to anemia, fatigue, and cognitive decline.
Although both nutrients fall under the B-vitamin umbrella, their supplementation is driven by different health goals. Biotin is often marketed for aesthetic support (e.g., hair and nail strength), while folic acid is prioritized in prenatal care, neurological support, and cardiovascular health. Many multivitamins contain both for general well-being, but when targeting specific outcomes, understanding the distinct benefits of each vitamin is critical. Choosing between biotin and folic acid—or opting for both—should be based on individual health needs, life stage, and nutritional status.
Property | Biotin | Folic Acid |
CAS Number | 58-85-5 | 59-30-3 |
Molecular Formula | C10H16N2O3S | C19H19N7O6 |
Molecular Weight | 244.31 g/mol | 441.40 g/mol |
Other Names | Vitamin B7, Vitamin H | Vitamin B9, Pteroylglutamic acid |
Appearance | White crystalline powder | Yellow to orange crystalline powder |
Solubility | Soluble in water | Slightly soluble in cold water; more in warm water |
Stability | Stable in heat; sensitive to UV light | Sensitive to heat, light, and oxidation |
Primary Function | Coenzyme in carboxylation reactions, energy metabolism | DNA synthesis, methylation, red blood cell production |
Common Uses | Hair and nail growth, skin health, metabolism support | Pregnancy support, anemia prevention, cardiovascular health |
Mechanism of Action | Functions as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes | Converts to tetrahydrofolate (THF) for DNA and amino acid synthesis |
Bioavailability | High | Moderate; needs enzymatic conversion in the liver |
Onset of Action | Gradual, depending on deficiency and dosage | Gradual, depending on folate status |
Advantages | Supports keratin production, readily absorbed | Crucial for fetal development, supports methylation |
Disadvantages | Deficiency is rare; excess may interfere with lab tests | Synthetic form less effective in people with MTHFR mutations |
Other Information | Produced by gut bacteria; available in eggs, nuts, and seeds | Found in leafy greens, fortified grains, and legumes |
Conclusion
Biotin, vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin crucial for maintaining healthy metabolic function. It plays a central role in energy production by supporting the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Biotin is also essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails, making it a popular ingredient in beauty and personal care supplements. Additionally, its involvement in gene regulation and support of the nervous system further expands its relevance to overall wellness.
Biotin is frequently included in multivitamins, standalone capsules, and hair-nail-skin formulations in the supplement industry due to its safety profile and widespread consumer recognition. As consumer interest in beauty-from-within products grows, biotin remains a key component in the nutraceutical market. Manufacturers should ensure product stability and compliance with established dietary guidelines to provide consistent and effective supplementation.
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FAQs
The effectiveness of Biotin in promoting hair growth is not conclusively supported by scientific evidence. The relationship between Biotin and hair health is frequently discussed; however, the effects of supplementing with Biotin on hair growth differ from person to person, and its efficacy may be influenced by the underlying factors contributing to hair loss or thinning.