Role: As part of several coenzymes, it has many metabolic activities, including DNA and lipid synthesis, and energy production from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Deficiency: Hair loss, rash, convulsions, impaired growth. (Deficiency symptoms seen in infants with rare genetic error of biotin metabolism.)
Sources: Cauliflower, liver, nuts, peanuts, cheese, egg yolks (raw egg whites interfere with biotin absorption). Little information is available on food sources.
Toxicity: Not determined.