Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes in the body. It is an essential nutrient, meaning it cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

Biotin is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, contributing to energy production. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Biotin is also necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are essential for the development of healthy eggs and sperm.

Good dietary sources of biotin include eggs, nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), seeds (such as sunflower seeds and flaxseeds), fish (such as salmon and tuna), organ meats (such as liver), dairy products (such as milk and cheese), certain fruits (such as bananas and avocados), and vegetables (such as sweet potatoes and spinach).

Biotin is generally considered safe when taken within recommended dosage levels. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means any excess biotin is typically excreted through urine.

It is important however to be aware that, at high doses, biotin can impact certain blood tests by interfering with hormone assays, thyroid function tests, and some cardiac biomarker tests.