Biotin
Biotin another member of the vitamin1complex, was first isolated in 1936 as a growth essentia for yeast cells. Previous to this date many workers hac described factors called by various names but havin similar antidermatitis properties in experimental animals. These several factors proved to be identical and an now known as biotin. Investigations have shown that c biotin deficiency can be produced in rats, rabbits, ane monkeys by feeding them a substance called avidin foune in raw egg white. Avidin is known as an antivitamir because it binds biotin, making it unavailable for absorp tion. A few cases of biotin deficiency have been recognizee in humans when their diets have included large amount: of raw egg white. A biotin-responsive seborrheic der matitis develops in some infants, usually during the first I months of life.
Intestinal microorganisms can synthesize biotin, bu the extent to which this biotin is available to human remains uncertain.
