Is Vitamin H the Same as Biotin? Unveiling the Facts

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

The term 'vitamin H' originates from the German word 'Haut,' meaning 'skin'. Yes, that's because vitamin H is indeed the same substance as biotin, a water-soluble B-vitamin now more commonly known as vitamin B7.

Quick Summary

Vitamin H is simply an older name for biotin, also known as vitamin B7. This vital nutrient acts as a coenzyme, playing a crucial role in metabolism and supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Key Points

Identity Confusion: Vitamin H is simply an older, historical name for the nutrient now officially known as biotin, or vitamin B7.
Metabolic Role: Biotin functions as a vital coenzyme, assisting in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to produce energy.
Deficiency is Rare: Most healthy individuals consuming a balanced diet get enough biotin, so true deficiency is uncommon.
Hair and Nail Benefits: While marketed for hair and nail health, scientific evidence is limited for supplementing in healthy people; benefits are most notable in cases of actual deficiency.
Lab Test Interference: High-dose biotin supplements can significantly interfere with certain laboratory tests, including those for heart health and thyroid function, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
Food First: Excellent natural sources of biotin include egg yolks, liver, legumes, and nuts, making it easy to obtain from a regular diet.

What is Biotin (Vitamin B7)?

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is a member of the B-complex family. Because it is water-soluble, the body does not store it in large quantities, and a consistent intake from food is important. It primarily functions as a coenzyme, a helper molecule that assists certain enzymes in the body's metabolic processes. Specifically, it is critical for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins from the food you eat and converting them into usable energy.

The History of Vitamin H

While most people today are familiar with the name 'biotin' or 'vitamin B7,' the term 'vitamin H' has a historical origin. It comes from the German word 'Haut,' which means 'skin,' reflecting its early recognition for promoting healthy skin. Biotin was first discovered in egg yolk in 1935 as a growth factor for yeast, and its structure was officially established in 1942. The interchangeable use of these names can cause confusion, but all three terms—vitamin H, biotin, and vitamin B7—refer to the exact same nutrient.

Biotin's Key Roles in the Body

Beyond its fundamental role in metabolism, biotin has several other important functions:

Energy Production: By assisting carboxylase enzymes, biotin helps convert the food we consume into glucose, the body's primary energy source.
Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails: It is often promoted for its benefits to hair, skin, and nails, although evidence for supplementation in healthy individuals is limited. In cases of deficiency, however, symptoms like hair loss and rashes are common.
Nervous System Function: Biotin is essential for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and is involved in crucial cell signaling pathways.
Fetal Development: It is an important nutrient during pregnancy, playing a vital role in embryonic growth.

Biotin from Food vs. Supplements

Most people get sufficient biotin from a balanced diet, making deficiency extremely rare in healthy individuals.

Biotin-Rich Foods

Egg yolks: A single cooked egg provides a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.
Legumes: Includes beans, peas, and lentils, with soybeans and peanuts being particularly good sources.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are good sources.
Organ Meats: The liver is one of the richest sources of biotin.
Sweet Potatoes: An excellent vegetable source of this nutrient.
Mushrooms: Nutrient-dense fungi that contain a good amount of biotin.

Considerations for Biotin Supplements

While supplement companies market biotin heavily for hair and nail health, the evidence is largely inconclusive for those who are not deficient. However, people with certain conditions, like biotinidase deficiency, or those taking specific medications may require supplementation under a doctor's supervision.

Interference with Lab Tests One critical concern with high-dose biotin supplements is their potential to interfere with lab tests. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that high biotin intake can cause falsely high or low test results, including those for troponin, which is used to diagnose heart attacks. It is vital to inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking before undergoing lab work. For more detailed information on nutrient intake and potential risks, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements offers a comprehensive fact sheet.

Biotin vs. Other B-Vitamins: A Comparison


Feature	Biotin (B7 / H)	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Folic Acid (B9)
Primary Function	Coenzyme for metabolism of fats, carbs, proteins	Nerve function, red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis	Cell growth, DNA formation, vital for pregnancy
Key Food Sources	Egg yolks, liver, nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes	Meat, fish, milk, cheese	Leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, fortified grains
Key Deficiency Symptom	Hair loss, red skin rash, neurological issues	Anemia, fatigue, nerve damage	Anemia, fatigue, birth defects if deficient during pregnancy
Water-Solubility	Yes	Yes	Yes

Conclusion: The Final Answer on Vitamin H

In short, the answer to 'Is vitamin H the same as biotin?' is a clear yes. Biotin, vitamin B7, and vitamin H are all different names for the same essential water-soluble nutrient. It plays a non-negotiable role in metabolic processes and is crucial for overall health, particularly for supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails. While deficiency is rare and typically linked to specific conditions, it is best to get your biotin from a varied diet rich in foods like eggs, nuts, and legumes. For those considering supplements, it is paramount to consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety and avoid potential interference with important medical tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin B7 is another name for biotin, and both are the same substance as what was historically called vitamin H.

For adults, the Adequate Intake (AI) for biotin is 30 micrograms (mcg) per day, an amount easily obtained through a balanced diet.

Biotin deficiency, though rare, can cause symptoms such as thinning hair (alopecia), a scaly red rash, brittle nails, and neurological issues like lethargy or hallucinations.

Good food sources of biotin include egg yolks, organ meats (liver), nuts, seeds, legumes, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.

The term 'vitamin H' faded from common use as the chemical structure and function became better understood, leading to the more scientifically precise name 'biotin' and its inclusion in the B-vitamin family as 'vitamin B7'.

While biotin is water-soluble and generally considered safe at high doses, excessive intake can lead to dangerously inaccurate results for important laboratory tests, including those for heart conditions.

For individuals with a true biotin deficiency, supplements can help reverse symptoms like hair loss. However, for healthy people, there is limited scientific evidence that biotin supplements improve hair or nail quality.