Biotin
Biotin was found in the early 1930's. It is a water soluble vitamin that can be found in food and it is also produced naturally in the body. The most common food sources of biotin are egg yolks, whole grains, breads, fish, nuts, beans, meat and dairy products. Like some of the B group vitamins, biotin is vital in the following bodily functions - in releasing energy from food, healthy functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, metabolism of proteins, production of hormones and the healthy functioning and regeneration of cells.
Because biotin is produced naturally in the body, there are not often deficiencies to biotin. Young people with a predisposition to deficiency disorders may suffer from some symptoms associated with a lack of biotin. These symptoms may include:
Effects on the brain and nervous system - If you don't have enough biotin in your diet, you could feel intense depression, sleeplessness and you could possibly suffer from hallucinations. You could also suffer from tingling in the hands and feet.
Effects on the skin - A deficiency of biotin can lead to hair loss and rashes around the nose and mouth. It could also lead to dermatitis.
Effects on the immune system - A deficiency of biotin can harm the functioning of the immune system, leading to people with a biotin deficiency getting sicker.
Effects on the gastrointestinal system - A biotin deficiency will also have an effect on the gastrointestinal system. It could lead to a loss of appetite or nausea.
There aren't any known side effects from the excess consumption of biotin.