Biotin

Vitamin

Biotin helps enzymes break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein so your body can use them.

Biotin food illustration
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What it is

What Is Biotin?

Biotin helps enzymes break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein so your body can use them.

You do not need to memorize a nutrient chart. The useful part is knowing where it shows up in food, roughly how much you need, and what that can look like on an actual plate.

What the body uses it for

What Biotin Actually Does

Enzyme cofactor

Biotin is required by several carboxylase enzymes.

Fatty-acid metabolism

Biotin-dependent enzymes contribute to fatty-acid synthesis.

Amino-acid metabolism

It participates in the breakdown of certain amino acids.

Glucose metabolism

Biotin-dependent enzymes contribute to glucose-related metabolic pathways.

How much you need

How Much Do You Need?

Recommended amounts depend on the nutrient, age, sex, and life stage. Some compounds do not have an established Dietary Reference Intake.

Use the authoritative source below for the current RDA, AI, upper limit, or other guidance that applies to Biotin.

See current intake guidance →

Food sources

Where Biotin Shows Up in Food

You do not need to memorize this list. These are everyday examples of foods that can contribute Biotin. Amounts can change with serving size, variety, preparation, and fortification.

Cooked eggs

Salmon

Pork

Nuts and seeds

Sweet potato

Food composition reference: USDA FoodData Central.

Make it useful

What Does That Look Like on a Plate?

Knowing what is in your food is useful. Knowing what to do with it is better. Pick a food. Find a recipe. See what you already have. Plan the meal. Buy what is missing. Then go eat food.

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A little context matters

When More Isn't Better

High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with some laboratory tests, including tests used in urgent medical care. Tell your healthcare team about supplement use before testing.

Food and supplements are not the same thing. Supplements can deliver much larger doses. Medications, pregnancy, kidney or liver function, allergies, and other health circumstances can change what is appropriate.

Evidence & trusted sources

Where This Information Comes From

Evidence last reviewed: October 2026