Biotin Is the Same as Vitamin B7 and Vitamin H

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that the word "biotin" comes from the ancient Greek word "biotos," meaning "sustenance" or "life-giving"? Biotin is the same as vitamin B7 and is also known as vitamin H, an essential water-soluble nutrient vital for numerous metabolic processes in the body. This essential B-complex vitamin is crucial for converting food into usable energy and plays a role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Quick Summary

Biotin is also known by the names Vitamin B7 and Vitamin H. It is a crucial water-soluble B-complex vitamin that aids in converting food into energy and supports metabolic functions. A deficiency is rare for most healthy individuals but can occur under specific circumstances. The body needs this nutrient for processes such as fatty acid and glucose metabolism.

Key Points

Biotin and B7 are the same: The vitamin biotin is also scientifically known as vitamin B7.
Vitamin H is an alternative name: An older designation, vitamin H, comes from the German words for hair and skin, reflecting its historical reputation.
Water-soluble and not stored: As a water-soluble vitamin, the body does not store large reserves of biotin, requiring a consistent intake from food.
Essential for metabolism: Biotin functions as a coenzyme to help metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy.
Deficiency is rare: Most healthy individuals obtain sufficient biotin from a balanced diet, making a deficiency uncommon.
Best sources are dietary: Good sources of biotin include cooked eggs, organ meats, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables.
Supplements can interfere with lab tests: High doses of biotin supplements can interfere with certain blood test results, so it's important to inform your doctor if you take them.

Understanding Biotin's Many Names

Biotin's multiple designations can be confusing, but they all refer to the same essential nutrient. The most common alternative names are Vitamin B7 and Vitamin H. The "H" in Vitamin H originated from the German words Haar and Haut, which mean "hair" and "skin" respectively, reflecting its well-known benefits for these tissues. However, in modern scientific terminology, Vitamin B7 is the most widely accepted name alongside biotin.

This water-soluble vitamin is a key player in the larger B-complex group of vitamins, which includes other familiar nutrients like thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3). All B-complex vitamins work together to help the body convert food into glucose, providing the fuel needed for energy. Biotin's specific role involves acting as a coenzyme for several carboxylase enzymes, which are fundamental for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

The Functional Role of Biotin

As a coenzyme, biotin assists in several critical metabolic pathways. Without sufficient biotin, the body cannot effectively break down and utilize energy from food.

Fatty acid synthesis: Biotin helps produce fatty acids, which are essential for forming cell membranes and maintaining overall cellular health.
Amino acid metabolism: It plays a role in breaking down amino acids, the building blocks of protein, which are necessary for tissue repair and other bodily functions.
Gluconeogenesis: Biotin is involved in the process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Biotin also contributes to the regulation of gene expression and plays a part in cell signaling. While it is often marketed as a supplement for hair, skin, and nail health, the evidence supporting these claims for healthy individuals is limited. The most significant benefits are typically seen in those with a diagnosed biotin deficiency.

Sources and Deficiency

Since biotin is water-soluble, the body does not store it in large amounts, requiring a regular intake from dietary sources. A balanced diet generally provides enough biotin for most people, making a deficiency quite rare.

Common dietary sources of biotin include:

Animal products: Cooked eggs (especially the yolk), organ meats like liver, and salmon.
Plant-based sources: Nuts (almonds, peanuts), seeds (sunflower), legumes (soybeans, lentils), and whole grains.
Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and cauliflower are good sources.
Yeast: Nutritional yeast and brewer's yeast are also excellent sources.

Deficiency is uncommon but can be caused by certain inherited disorders, prolonged use of certain medications, or excessive consumption of raw egg whites, which contain a protein called avidin that binds to biotin and prevents its absorption. Symptoms of deficiency can include hair loss, scaly red rashes, and neurological symptoms such as depression.

Comparison of Biotin and its Alternative Names

To clarify the relationship between these terms, here is a simple comparison table.


Term	Description	Origin/Use	Functional Identity
Biotin	The most common, modern, and chemical name for the compound.	From Greek "biotos" (life/sustenance).	The core name for this B vitamin.
Vitamin B7	Part of the standardized B-complex vitamin naming system.	A systematic chemical naming convention.	Exactly the same as biotin.
Vitamin H	An older name, primarily used in dermatology contexts.	From German Haut (skin) and Haar (hair).	Exactly the same as biotin.
Coenzyme R	A less common, biochemical name.	Refers to its function as an enzyme cofactor.	Exactly the same as biotin.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

For the vast majority of healthy individuals, dietary intake is sufficient to meet biotin needs. Supplementation is typically not necessary unless recommended by a healthcare provider for a specific medical condition, such as a genetic disorder affecting biotin metabolism. As with any nutritional supplement, it's crucial to consult a doctor before starting to ensure it's appropriate for your needs and to avoid any potential interference with lab tests, as high doses of biotin can cause inaccurate results.

Conclusion: Biotin Is More Than One Name

The answer to the question "what vitamin is the same as biotin?" is Vitamin B7. It is also known by the historical name Vitamin H. These different names simply refer to the same crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a foundational role in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and the health of skin and hair. Rather than seeking a supplement, the best approach for most people is to focus on a balanced diet rich in biotin-containing foods to naturally support overall health and well-being.

For more in-depth information on specific nutrient needs and dietary guidelines, consider visiting the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no difference between biotin and vitamin B7. They are two different names for the same water-soluble B-complex vitamin.

Biotin was given the name Vitamin H from the German words Haar (hair) and Haut (skin), referencing its early association with maintaining the health of these tissues.

While biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, there is limited scientific evidence to suggest that biotin supplements benefit hair growth in healthy individuals. The effects are most notable for those with a pre-existing deficiency.

Foods rich in biotin include cooked eggs, organ meats like liver, salmon, nuts such as almonds and peanuts, seeds, and certain vegetables like sweet potatoes and mushrooms.

Biotin is water-soluble, so any excess is typically excreted through urine, and no toxic effects from high intake have been reported. However, very high doses can interfere with certain lab tests, so always inform your doctor.

A deficiency in biotin is very rare in healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet. It is more likely to occur in people with specific genetic disorders, prolonged use of certain medications, or those who consume large amounts of raw egg whites.

Cooking eggs deactivates a protein called avidin, which is found in raw egg whites. Avidin can bind to biotin and prevent its absorption by the body.