Biotin

Biotin Claims

Biotin supports energy production in healthy body cells

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, helps support energy production in healthy body cells for both the mother and her developing baby during pregnancy. Biotin acts as a cofactor for several enzymes that are involved in metabolising fatty acids, glucose and amino acids to generate cellular energy in the form of ATP. The energy demands during pregnancy are significantly increased to support the growing fetus and the physiological changes occurring in the mother's body.

Here are the key ways biotin supports energy production:

The Krebs cycle is a cellular metabolic process which generates energy molecules called ATP. Biotin helps activate an enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase which is important for glucose metabolism through the Krebs cycle. An adequate supply of biotin ensures that  the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase can produce enough energy to meet the higher energetic demands required for  pregnancy.

Biotin also aids the function of an enzyme called acetyl-CoA carboxylase which is involved in breaking down fats, to produce ATP (energy). Biotin supports this process to produce energy for cells. During pregnancy, the body requires more fatty acids for the building of foetal tissues.

Finally, biotin is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the breakdown of amino acids to produce cellular energy. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins needed for tissue growth and repair in both the mother and her baby. Biotin helps to maximise the energy yield from amino acid breakdown to support this tissue growth.