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Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, MS
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a B vitamin that’s essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as cellular signaling and gene regulation.
Biotin is concentrated in several foods, including eggs and fish, and is naturally produced by your gut bacteria. Biotin deficiency is rare, and supplementation isn’t usually necessary for healthy people.
That said, biotin supplements may be helpful for certain populations, including pregnant women and those with some medical conditions.
Here’s everything you need to know about biotin, including its health benefits and side effects.
Benefits of Biotin
Biotin is found in many plant and animal-based foods, including eggs, meat, nuts, and seeds. In addition to dietary intake, bacteria residing in the large intestine, such as Bacteroides fragilis, Fusobacterium varium, Prevotella copri, and Campylobacter coli, naturally produce biotin.
Because