Is Biotin compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Biotin?

Biotin

April 10, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

It is an essential co-enzyme for fat metabolism and other metabolic reactions, which is classified among the vitamin B group.

Recommended daily allowance is 10 to 200 μg according to some authorities and 30 to 100 μg to some others. (5 at15 μg for infants, 20 to 30 μg for children, 30 μg for pregnant women and 35 μg for lactating mothers).

Biotin is found in the non-fat fraction of breast milk in an amount of 5 to 9 μg/L.

Biotin is widely distributed in most foods with a very rare occurrence of deficiency among people who are on adequate diet, nor any case of intoxication is known even with higher doses than recommended for daily intake.

At date of latest update, relevant data related to breastfeeding were not found. However, because lack of toxicity a risk due to consumption at recommended dose is unlikely.

With an adequate and comprehensive diet, the consumption of vitamin supplementation is not necessary.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Biotin since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • ビオチン
  • Coenzyme R
  • Vitamin B7
  • Vitamin H
  • بيوتين
  • Биотин
  • 生物素

Drug trade names

References

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  2. Ares Segura S, Arena Ansótegui J, Díaz-Gómez NM; en representación del Comité de Lactancia Materna de la Asociación Española de Pediatría. La importancia de la nutrición materna durante la lactancia, ¿necesitan las madres lactantes suplementos nutricionales? [The importance of maternal nutrition during breastfeeding: Do breastfeeding mothers need nutritional supplements?] An Pediatr (Barc). 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Perry CA, West AA, Gayle A, Lucas LK, Yan J, Jiang X, Malysheva O, Caudill MA. Pregnancy and lactation alter biomarkers of biotin metabolism in women consuming a controlled diet. J Nutr. 2014Abstract
  4. Mock DM. Adequate intake of biotin in pregnancy: why bother? J Nutr. 2014Abstract
  5. Shibata K, Fukuwatari T, Sasaki S, Sano M, Suzuki K, Hiratsuka C, Aoki A, Nagai C. Urinary excretion levels of water-soluble vitamins in pregnant and lactating women in Japan. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin H (Biotin). Medical Reference Guide. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Acofarma. Biotina. Ficha técnica. 2008 Full text (in our servers)
  8. Sakurai T, Furukawa M, Asoh M, Kanno T, Kojima T, Yonekubo A. Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamin contents of breast milk from Japanese women. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2005Abstract
  9. Zempleni J, Mock DM. Biotin biochemistry and human requirements. J Nutr Biochem. 1999Abstract
  10. Mock DM, Mock NI, Stratton SL. Concentrations of biotin metabolites in human milk. J Pediatr. 1997Abstract
  11. D.M. Mock. Cap. 22. Biotina. En: E.E. Ziegler, L.J. Filer. Conocimientos actuales sobre nutrición. Organización Panamericana de la Salud, 7a ed. Washington, 1997
  12. Mock DM, Mock NI, Dankle JA. Secretory patterns of biotin in human milk. J Nutr. 1992Abstract
  13. Mock DM, Mock NI, Langbehn SE. Biotin in human milk: methods, location, and chemical form. J Nutr. 1992Abstract
  14. [No authors listed] Dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report of the Panel on Dietary Reference Values of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. Rep Health Soc Subj (Lond). 1991Abstract
  15. Livaniou E, Mantagos S, Kakabakos S, Pavlou V, Evangelatos G, Ithakissios DS. Plasma biotin levels in neonates. Biol Neonate. 1991Abstract
  16. Salmenperä L, Perheentupa J, Pispa JP, Siimes MA. Biotin concentrations in maternal plasma and milk during prolonged lactation. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1985Abstract
  17. Dostálová L. Vitamin status during puerperium and lactation. Ann Nutr Metab. 1984Abstract
  18. Ford JE, Zechalko A, Murphy J, Brooke OG. Comparison of the B vitamin composition of milk from mothers of preterm and term babies. Arch Dis Child. 1983Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  19. Roth KS. Biotin in clinical medicine--a review. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981Abstract