What is the difference between vitamin H and biotin?

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

The key distinction between vitamin H and biotin is that there is none; the two names refer to the exact same water-soluble B-vitamin. This vitamin, also known as B7, plays a crucial role in metabolism and is often sought after for its potential benefits for hair, skin, and nails.

Quick Summary

This article explains that vitamin H and biotin are simply different names for the same B-complex vitamin, also known as B7. It details the vitamin's role in metabolism, its dietary sources, and its functions in the body, emphasizing that there is no difference between the two terms.

Key Points

No Difference: Vitamin H and biotin are identical, with 'biotin' being the modern, widely-used name.
Metabolic Power: As a B-vitamin (B7), it's essential for converting food into energy by metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Skin and Hair Role: It contributes to the health of skin, hair, and nails by aiding in the production of keratin.
Found in Many Foods: Good sources include egg yolks, nuts, seeds, legumes, and organ meats.
Deficiency is Rare: Most healthy people get sufficient amounts from their diet and don't need supplements.
Supplementation Limited: Research supporting the benefits of biotin supplements for healthy hair and nails in non-deficient individuals is limited.

Is there a difference between vitamin H and biotin?

In short, there is no difference between vitamin H and biotin. The two are simply different names for the same essential, water-soluble vitamin, also known as vitamin B7. Historically, the name 'vitamin H' originated from the German word 'Haut', meaning 'skin', a nod to the vitamin's perceived benefits for skin health. Over time, the scientific community more commonly adopted the term biotin, though both names are still used today.

The role of biotin (vitamin H) in the body

Biotin serves as a vital coenzyme for several carboxylase enzymes, which are necessary for many metabolic processes. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the food we eat and convert them into usable energy. This essential function impacts a wide range of bodily systems, including:

Energy Production: Biotin is integral to the process of gluconeogenesis (the creation of glucose), making it a key player in energy metabolism.
Macronutrient Metabolism: It assists in the breakdown of dietary fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, ensuring the body can properly utilize the nutrients it receives.
Cellular Health: Biotin is necessary for cell growth and replication, and plays a role in the health of hair, skin, and nails by assisting in the production of keratin.
Gene Regulation and Signaling: Recent research has also acknowledged its emerging roles in cell signaling and epigenetic regulation.

Common sources of biotin (vitamin H)

As a water-soluble vitamin, biotin is not stored in the body for long periods, meaning a regular daily intake is necessary. Fortunately, it is readily available in many foods, and a deficiency is rare in those with a balanced diet. A varied diet typically provides an adequate amount of biotin. Good dietary sources include:

Organ Meats: Liver and kidney are particularly rich sources.
Egg Yolks: Eggs are an excellent source, but it is important to cook them, as a protein in raw egg whites can prevent biotin absorption.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts all contain beneficial amounts of biotin.
Legumes: Soybeans, peas, and lentils are good plant-based sources.
Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, spinach, and cauliflower provide smaller amounts.
Whole Grains: Whole-grain cereals and breads can contribute to your daily intake.

Biotin (Vitamin H) comparison table


Feature	Biotin	Vitamin H
Definition	A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, specifically B7.	An older name for the same B-complex vitamin, B7.
Chemical Identity	Is the same chemical compound as vitamin H.	Is the same chemical compound as biotin.
Primary Function	Acts as a coenzyme in metabolic processes, aiding in the breakdown of fats, carbs, and proteins.	Performs the exact same metabolic functions as biotin.
Origin of Name	Comes from the Greek word 'biotos', meaning 'life' or 'sustenance'.	Comes from the German word 'Haut', meaning 'skin'.
Usage	More commonly used in contemporary scientific and nutritional contexts.	Less commonly used today, but still recognized.
Source	Found in the same dietary sources and is produced by intestinal bacteria.	Sourced from the same foods and internal bacteria as biotin.

Can a deficiency exist?

While a deficiency is rare, it is possible and can result in several symptoms, including thinning hair, a scaly red rash, and brittle nails. Risk factors for deficiency include pregnancy, alcoholism, and certain genetic disorders. However, supplementation in otherwise healthy individuals has not been widely proven to provide significant benefits for hair and nail growth.

Conclusion

Ultimately, understanding the connection between vitamin H and biotin is straightforward: they are one and the same. The name 'biotin' is simply the more scientifically and widely accepted term today for what was once also called vitamin H, named for its effect on skin health. This essential water-soluble vitamin, also known as B7, is a critical component of metabolic processes that convert food into energy. For healthy individuals, a balanced diet provides sufficient amounts of this nutrient, rendering supplemental intake largely unnecessary unless a deficiency has been diagnosed. For those interested in improving their nutrient intake, focusing on a diet rich in whole foods is the most effective approach.

Frequently asked questions about vitamin H and biotin

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin H and biotin are different names for the same water-soluble B-complex vitamin, specifically vitamin B7.

Biotin's main function is to act as a coenzyme for metabolic processes, helping the body convert food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) into energy.

While often marketed for hair growth and strengthening, the evidence for this benefit in healthy individuals is limited. It is important for hair health, but supplementation primarily helps those with a deficiency.

A biotin deficiency is rare but can cause thinning hair, a scaly red rash, brittle nails, and neurological symptoms like lethargy and hallucinations.

Many foods contain biotin, including egg yolks, organ meats (liver), nuts (almonds, peanuts), seeds, legumes, whole grains, and certain vegetables.

Because it is water-soluble, excess biotin is typically excreted by the body. However, very high doses can interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is important to inform your doctor if you are taking supplements.

Vitamin H is also called vitamin B7 because it is one of the B-complex vitamins, which are a group of essential, water-soluble nutrients that support metabolism.