What is another name for vitamin B7? Biotin, also known as Vitamin H

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, a marginal biotin deficiency occurs in at least a third of pregnant women in the United States, despite adequate dietary intake. Many are unaware that this crucial micronutrient has several names. So, what is another name for vitamin B7? The most commonly used synonyms are biotin and vitamin H.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B7 is an essential water-soluble nutrient also known by the names biotin and vitamin H. It plays a critical role as a coenzyme, helping the body metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and protein for energy production.

Key Points

Alternative Names: Vitamin B7 is most commonly called biotin but is also known as vitamin H.
Metabolic Function: It acts as a coenzyme for several carboxylase enzymes that are essential for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein.
Food Sources: Good dietary sources include egg yolks, liver, legumes, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes.
Rare Deficiency: A severe deficiency is uncommon in the general population because the vitamin is widely available in food and produced by gut bacteria.
Symptom Manifestation: When deficiency does occur, symptoms can include hair loss, scaly skin rashes, and neurological issues.
Lab Test Interference: High doses of biotin supplements can interfere with certain lab test results, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.

The Various Names for Vitamin B7

While "vitamin B7" is its common designation, this essential nutrient is most frequently referred to as biotin. The name "biotin" is derived from the ancient Greek word 'biotos,' meaning 'life,' and is used widely in scientific and medical contexts. Another less common but still used name is vitamin H, which comes from the German word 'Haar und Haut,' meaning 'hair and skin,' referencing its link to healthy hair and skin. This reflects a long-standing association in some cosmetic and supplement marketing, even if the scientific evidence for its external application is limited.

The Functions of Biotin

Biotin's primary role is serving as a cofactor for several carboxylase enzymes in the body, which are vital for numerous metabolic processes. These enzymes assist in the conversion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins from food into usable energy. Specifically, these functions include:

Gluconeogenesis: Biotin-dependent enzymes are crucial for the synthesis of glucose, the body's primary energy source.
Fatty Acid Synthesis: The vitamin helps produce fatty acids that the body needs for various cellular functions.
Amino Acid Metabolism: It aids in breaking down certain amino acids, such as leucine.
Gene Regulation: Emerging research shows biotin also plays a role in gene expression and chromatin stability.

Food Sources and Recommended Intake

Biotin is found in a wide variety of foods, and a severe deficiency is rare in healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet. Furthermore, the "good" bacteria in the gut can also produce biotin, which the body can utilize.

Foods that are particularly rich in biotin include:

Egg yolks: A single whole, cooked egg provides a significant amount of biotin. Cooking is important, as raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents its absorption.
Organ meats: Liver, in particular, is one of the richest sources of biotin.
Legumes: Foods like peanuts and soybeans are excellent sources.
Nuts and Seeds: Roasted sunflower seeds and almonds contain good levels of biotin.
Sweet Potatoes: This vegetable offers a notable amount of biotin.
Yeast: Both nutritional yeast and brewer's yeast are good sources.
Fish: Salmon is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and biotin.

Biotin Deficiency and Symptoms

Though rare, biotin deficiency can occur, especially in specific populations such as pregnant women or individuals with certain genetic disorders. Chronic alcohol use can also inhibit absorption. Symptoms tend to develop gradually and may include:

Thinning hair or hair loss (alopecia)
Scaly, red rashes around the eyes, nose, and mouth
Brittle nails
Neurological symptoms, such as lethargy, hallucinations, and depression
In severe, untreated cases, more serious neurological damage can occur, particularly in infants with inherited disorders.

Biotin Supplements and Potential Interactions

Biotin supplements are widely marketed for improving hair, skin, and nail health, but evidence supporting these benefits in healthy people is inconclusive. Importantly, high doses of biotin can interfere with laboratory tests that use biotin-streptavidin technology, potentially leading to inaccurate results. For example, the FDA has warned that high biotin intake can cause falsely low troponin results, which are used to diagnose heart attacks. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you are taking before lab work.

Biotin vs. Other B Vitamins: A Comparison

Biotin is one of eight B vitamins, all of which are water-soluble and play unique, yet interconnected roles in the body. The following table highlights some key differences between biotin and other common B vitamins.


Feature	Vitamin B7 (Biotin)	Vitamin B9 (Folate)	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Primary Role	Coenzyme for metabolism of fats, carbs, protein	Essential for DNA and cell formation	Nerve function and red blood cell formation
Key Food Sources	Egg yolks, liver, legumes, nuts, seeds	Leafy greens, fortified cereals, legumes	Meat, dairy, fish, fortified foods
Major Deficiency Symptom	Hair thinning, scaly rash	Anemia, birth defects	Anemia, neurological damage
Deficiency Risk	Rare, but risk factors include pregnancy, alcohol use, genetic disorders	Higher risk in pregnant women and those with poor diet	Common in vegans/vegetarians; also a risk in older adults
Lab Test Interference	Yes, high doses interfere with some immunoassays	No known interference with immunoassays	No known interference with immunoassays

Conclusion

Vitamin B7, more commonly known as biotin or vitamin H, is a critical water-soluble vitamin essential for metabolic function. While most people get enough from a balanced diet of foods like eggs, organ meats, and nuts, specific risk groups exist. The prevalence of high-dose biotin supplements has raised concerns about interference with crucial lab tests, making it important to consult a healthcare provider. Understanding its different names and functions ensures a more informed approach to managing your nutritional health.

For more in-depth information about the biochemical aspects of biotin, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin B7 and biotin are two names for the same water-soluble nutrient. Biotin is the more commonly used name in medical and scientific contexts.

Vitamin B7 is sometimes called vitamin H, derived from the German words for hair and skin ('Haar und Haut'), due to its traditional association with these aspects of health.

The primary function of vitamin B7 is to assist enzymes involved in metabolic processes, specifically helping the body convert fats, carbohydrates, and protein into energy.

You can ensure adequate intake by eating a balanced diet rich in biotin sources like cooked egg yolks, liver, legumes, and nuts. Cooking eggs is important to prevent avidin from interfering with absorption.

Symptoms of deficiency can include thinning hair, a red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, and brittle nails.

For most healthy people with a balanced diet, biotin supplements are not necessary because deficiency is rare. The evidence supporting supplements for healthy hair and nails in non-deficient individuals is inconclusive.

Yes, high-dose biotin supplements can interfere with certain lab tests, particularly immunoassays using biotin-streptavidin technology. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any biotin supplements you are taking before blood tests.

While excess biotin is water-soluble and excreted by the body, very high doses can lead to inaccurate lab test results. There is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level, but potential risks exist.