USMLE Step 1 Review: Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – Questions and Answers Format
Question: What is Vitamin B7 also known as?
Answer: Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin.Question: What is the function of Vitamin B7?
Answer: Vitamin B7 is a cofactor for carboxylation enzymes, which add a 1-carbon group. These enzymes include pyruvate carboxylase (gluconeogenesis), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (fatty acid synthesis), and propionyl-CoA carboxylase (fatty acid oxidation and branched-chain amino acid breakdown).Question: How does Vitamin B7 work in the body?
Answer: Vitamin B7 functions as a cofactor for several carboxylation enzymes, which add a 1-carbon group to molecules such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and propionyl-CoA. This helps facilitate reactions such as gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation.Question: What are the symptoms of Vitamin B7 deficiency?
Answer: Vitamin B7 deficiency is relatively rare, but when it does occur, symptoms can include dermatitis, enteritis, and alopecia. This is often caused by long-term antibiotic use or excessive ingestion of raw egg whites, as a protein called avidin in egg whites can avidly bind biotin.Question: What are the causes of Vitamin B7 deficiency?
Answer: The causes of Vitamin B7 deficiency is relatively rare, but when it does occur, it is often caused by long-term antibiotic use or excessive ingestion of raw egg whites, as a protein called avidin in egg whites can avidly bind biotin. Question: How much Vitamin B7 do we need daily?
Answer: The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B7 (biotin) is 30-100 micrograms.Question: Are there any food sources of Vitamin B7?
Answer: Yes, there are several food sources of Vitamin B7 (biotin), including eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, meat, and dairy products.Question: Are there any risks associated with high intake of Vitamin B7?
Answer: High intake of Vitamin B7 (biotin) is considered safe and there are no known risks associated with excessive intake.Question: Can Vitamin B7 deficiency be treated?
Answer: Yes, Vitamin B7 deficiency can be treated by supplementing with biotin and by avoiding raw egg whites and long-term antibiotic use.Question: What are the side effects of Vitamin B7 supplement?
Answer: Vitamin B7 supplement is considered safe and has no known side effects. However, as with any supplement, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking it. Question: Can Vitamin B7 be used for any other conditions besides deficiency?
Answer: Vitamin B7 (biotin) is used in some cases for conditions such as hair loss, brittle nails, diabetes, and neuropathy. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of biotin for these conditions.Question: Can taking Vitamin B7 supplements help with weight loss?
Answer: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that taking Vitamin B7 (biotin) supplements can help with weight loss.Question: Can Vitamin B7 be found in any form of supplements?
Answer: Vitamin B7 (biotin) can be found in various forms of supplements such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. It is also included in many multivitamin and B-complex supplements.Question: How long does it take to see the effects of Vitamin B7 supplement?
Answer: The time it takes to see the effects of Vitamin B7 (biotin) supplement varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. For example, in cases of hair loss, it may take several weeks to see an improvement. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate usage and duration of biotin supplement.tab
