Vitamin B7

Biotin is important for several carboxylation enzymes – including pyruvate carboxylase involved in energy metabolism, and acetyl CoA carboxylase in fatty acid synthesis. 

Low levels are associated with alopecia, dry brittle nails and hair, scaly dermatitis, nausea, depression, hallucinations, muscle pain and localised paraesthesia. Cradle cap in babies is thought to be caused by low biotin – possibly because of the role biotin plays in fatty acid synthesis.