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자폐증, AUTISM, ASD, 발달장애

"Biotin and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring the Neurobiological and Metabolic Connections"

by 로슬리 2025. 4. 10.
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🧩 “Autism and Biotin: The Story of a Tiny Brain Hero”

1. 🧠 Your Brain Is Like a Symphony

Imagine this: inside your body, there’s a grand orchestra performing every moment of every day. The musicians? Brain cells, hormones, enzymes, and even gut microbes. For this symphony to run smoothly, it needs a skilled conductor to keep everything in sync. One of those little conductors is biotin, also known as vitamin B7.

2. 🌱 What Exactly Does Biotin Do?

Biotin might be famous as the “hair and skin vitamin,” but it’s actually a vital coenzyme in your body’s energy factories — especially in the brain. Here’s what biotin helps with:

  • Energy Production: It helps enzymes break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into usable energy.
  • Gene Expression: Biotin is involved in switching genes on or off — like a composer arranging the music sheet.
  • Brain and Immune Health: It supports proper nerve function and immune responses.

Without biotin, these processes would fall out of tune.


3. 🧩 So Why Is Biotin Important in Autism?

Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been found to have biotin deficiencies or impaired biotin metabolism. In some cases, they may simply need more biotin due to high metabolic stress or dysregulated enzyme activity.

Here’s what researchers have found in some autistic individuals:

  • Enzyme issues: Deficiencies in biotin-dependent enzymes, like Pyruvate Carboxylase or Propionyl-CoA Carboxylase.
  • Metabolic imbalances: Similar to metabolic conditions such as propionic acidemia, which mimic autism-like symptoms.
  • Gut microbiome disruption: Since certain bacteria in the gut help produce biotin, an imbalanced microbiome can reduce biotin availability.

All of these could lead to decreased brain energy, buildup of toxic metabolites, and behavioral issues.


4. 🔬 Research Findings: Biotin and the Autism Link

🔹 Pindoria et al. (2014)

  • Found that rare biotin enzyme disorders could present with autistic-like symptoms.
  • High-dose biotin therapy in infants with these disorders led to behavioral improvements and better development.

🔹 Microbiome Studies (2020–2023)

  • Autistic children often have altered gut flora that reduces biotin synthesis.
  • Probiotic + biotin therapy led to improvements in behavior in some case reports.

🔹 Case Reports

  • A few children with developmental regression and metabolic markers resembling biotin deficiency responded dramatically to biotin supplementation.

5. 🍳 Where Can We Get Biotin Naturally?

Biotin is widely found in foods — nature’s way of keeping your brain balanced. Here are some rich sources:

FoodApprox. Biotin (mcg)
Egg yolk 🥚 10–25
Beef or chicken liver 🐄🐔 30–35
Nuts (almonds, walnuts) 🌰 1.5–2.5
Avocado 🥑 2–6
Salmon 🐟 4–5

⚠️ Warning: Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and blocks its absorption. Repeated raw egg consumption can cause biotin deficiency!


6. 🧪 Should My Child Take Biotin Supplements?

Biotin is water-soluble, so it’s generally considered safe. But high doses can sometimes:

  • Interfere with lab results, especially thyroid and hormone tests
  • Alter certain medications’ effects

💬 Most pediatricians suggest 5–10 mcg/kg as a starting point, increasing if needed — but always under medical supervision.


7. 🎬 Conclusion: Biotin — A Tiny Vitamin with a Big Role in the Autistic Brain

While research is still emerging, it’s clear that biotin plays a key role in brain energy, neurotransmitter balance, and gut health — all of which affect behavior and cognition.

If your child has autism, especially with signs of fatigue, metabolic imbalances, or picky eating, a biotin deficiency could be a missing piece of the puzzle.


💡 Bonus Insight: Biotin + Gut Health + Brain = The Triangle of Neurodevelopment

  • Your gut bacteria can make biotin.
  • Healthy biotin levels support the brain's metabolism and gene regulation.
  • A stable brain function improves communication, mood, and focus.

This is why the combination of biotin + probiotics + personalized nutrition is gaining traction in autism support programs.

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