Importance of Testing Biotin in Food
Introduction
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin crucial for various metabolic processes. It plays a vital role in supporting energy production, fat and protein metabolism, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nervous system function. While deficiency in biotin is rare, ensuring adequate intake through food products and supplements is important, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Why is Biotin Important?
|
Function |
Description |
|
Metabolism Support |
Acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. |
|
Gene Regulation |
Influences gene expression and cellular signalling. |
|
Hair, Skin, and Nail Health |
Widely promoted for cosmetic health benefits. |
|
Foetal Development |
Essential during pregnancy for embryonic growth. |
Natural Sources of Biotin
Biotin is present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including:
- Eggs (especially yolk)
- Liver and kidney
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Bananas, mushrooms, and avocados
Importance of Testing Biotin in Food
|
Purpose of Testing |
Description |
|
Nutritional Accuracy |
Ensures that the actual Biotin content matches declared values on the label |
|
Regulatory Compliance |
Verifies adherence to standards set by FSSAI, EU, and US FDA |
|
Product Formulation |
Supports accurate nutrient blending during manufacturing |
|
Shelf-Life and Stability |
Assesses Biotin retention over time and under various storage conditions |
|
Consumer Safety and Trust |
Prevents both deficiency and unintentional over-fortification |
|
Market Access and Export |
Facilitates acceptance in regulated international markets |
Standards and regulations
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) for Biotin (Vitamin B7) as per FSSAI or similar nutritional guidelines, here is the information organized into a table.
Biotin Recommendations
|
Category |
Biotin (µg/day) |
|
Adults and pregnant women |
40 µg |
|
Lactating women |
45 µg |
|
Adolescents |
35 µg |
|
Children (4–10 years) |
25 µg |
|
Children (1–3 years) |
20 µg |
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Nutra_29_09_2021.pdf
|
Regulatory Body |
Reference Intake / DV |
Labeling Claims |
Regulations on Addition |
|
US FDA (USA) |
30 mcg |
- Good source: 3–5.7 mcg/serving (10–19%) |
No specific limit. Biotin is GRAS; claims must be truthful (21 CFR 101.13). |
|
|
Based on RDA for adults and children >4 yrs |
- Excellent source: ≥6 mcg/serving (≥20%) |
|
|
European Union |
50 mcg (labeling) |
- Source: ≥7.5 mcg/100 g/ml or per serving (15%) |
No specific limit in general food. Allowed under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. Member states set supplement limits. |
|
|
EFSA AI: 40 mcg/day (adult) |
- High: ≥15 mcg/100 g/ml or per serving (30%) |
|
|
|
Based on ICMR RDA |
- Rich source: ≥9 mcg/serving or per 100 g/ml (30%) |
|
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32011R1169
https://fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2021/08/6109077a384adDirection_RDA_02_08_2021.pdf
https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels
Testing Methods for Biotin
- HPLC and LC-MS/MS: High sensitivity and precision for detecting low-level vitamins
- Accelerated Stability Studies: Evaluate Biotin degradation under various storage conditions
Eurofins Testing Services for Biotin and Other Nutrients
Eurofins provides a wide range of food testing services that include the analysis of vitamins, such as Biotin (Vitamin B7), to ensure accurate labelling, nutritional compliance, and product quality.
Their services include:
- Quantitative Biotin Analysis using validated methods like LC-MS/MS
- Micronutrient Profiling in fortified foods, baby food, supplements, and clinical nutrition products
- Stability Testing of Biotin in various matrices to assess retention over shelf life
- Regulatory Compliance Testing to meet national and international food labelling requirements (e.g., FSSAI, EU, US FDA)
