| Biotin is important for carboxylation reactions
|
Biotin is normally synthesized by intestinal flora. It serves as a coenzyme in multienzyme complexes involved in carboxylation reactions. It is important in lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and the catabolism of the branched-chain amino acids . The majority of the requirement for biotin is met from synthesis in the bowel by intestinal bacteria. Consumption of raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency because the egg-white protein, avidin, combines with biotin, preventing its absorption. Interestingly, certain inherited single or multiple carboxylase deficiencies can also lead to apparent biotin deficiency syndrome. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include depression, hallucinations, muscle pain and dermatitis. Children with multiple decarboxylase deficiency also demonstrate immunodeficiency disease.
|
|
