TLDR Biotin supplements improved skin and hair in a biotin-deficient infant on amino acid formula.
This study reported a case of biotin deficiency in a 5-month-old Japanese infant who was fed only an amino acid formula after being diagnosed with dyspepsia. The infant exhibited symptoms such as alopecia and scaly, erythematous dermatitis around body orifices. Despite normal zinc and biotinidase levels, the infant had low serum and urine biotin levels and elevated urinary excretion of certain organic acids. Treatment with 1 mg of daily oral biotin supplementation led to significant improvement in skin condition and hair growth, as well as the resolution of organic aciduria. The study highlighted that skin manifestations are crucial for diagnosing biotin deficiency and that urinary excretion of biotin and organic acids are more sensitive indicators of biotin deficiency than serum biotin levels.
29 citations
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55 citations
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20 citations
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19 citations
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January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” Ultraviolet rays damage hair, smoking may cause hair loss, and good nutrition is important for hair health, but genetics mainly decide hair thickness.
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75 citations
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50 citations
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November 2010 in “Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America” Recognizing oral symptoms can help diagnose and treat blood and nutritional diseases early.
