In humans, vitamin B7 (biotin) is the coenzyme attached at the active site of five enzymes known as ‘carboxylases’ (3). The attachment of biotin to another molecule, such as a protein (e.g. histone), is known as ‘biotinylation’.

 

Each carboxylase catalyzes an essential metabolic reaction required for the synthesis of fatty acids, the formation of glucose from sources other than carbohydrates (e.g., amino acids), the catabolism of leucine (an essential amino acid), and the metabolism of certain amino acids, cholesterol, and certain fatty acids (4).

 

Evidence indicates that biotinylation of histones plays a role in regulating DNA replication and gene expression (‘transcription’) as well as cell division (‘proliferation’) and other cellular responses (5, 6, 7).

 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which provides scientific advice to assist policy makers, has confirmed that clear health benefits have been established for the dietary intake of biotin (vitamin B7) in contributing to:

 

• normal macronutrient metabolism;
• normal energy yielding metabolism;
• the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes;
• the normal function of the nervous system;
• the maintenance of normal hair;
• normal psychological functions.