Biotin

It has been known for many years that overt biotin deficiency results in  impaired utilization of glucose (13). Blood biotin levels were significantly  lower in 43 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) than  in non-diabetic control subjects, and lower fasting blood glucose levels were  associated with higher blood biotin levels. After one month of biotin  supplementation (9 mg/day) fasting blood glucose levels decreased by an average  of 45% (14). Reductions in blood glucose levels were also found in 7  insulin-dependent diabetics after 1 week of supplementation with 16 mg of biotin  daily (15). Several mechanisms could explain the glucose-lowering effect of  biotin. As a cofactor of enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis, biotin may  increase the utilization of glucose to synthesize fats. Biotin has been found to  stimulate glucokinase, an enzyme in the liver, resulting in increased synthesis  of glycogen, the storage form of glucose. Biotin has also been found to  stimulate the secretion of insulin in the pancreas of rats, which also has the  effect of lowering blood glucose (16). An effect on cellular glucose (GLUT)  transporters is also currently under investigation. Presently, studies of the  effect of supplemental biotin on blood glucose levels in humans are extremely  limited, but they highlight the need for further research