Egg Whites/Biotin (was: Protein packed breakfast smoothie?)

[Guest guest]

Hi All,On the subject of raw eggs, or rather egg whites, you should be aware that egg whites contain a substance (avidin) which is known to bind biotin (a B-vitamin) in the body, and can cause a biotin deficiency in susceptible individuals. Although plentiful in many foods, biotin deficiency can occur where digestion is compromised (biotin is synthesized from healthy gut flora) and where egg white consumption occurs. If you are consuming egg whites, keep your eyes open for symptoms of Biotin deficiency: hair loss, weakness, lack of muscle coordination, etc.I had this happen to me on the diet and lost a good quantity of hair, unfortunately, before my docs realized what was going on. And despite what many nutritionists say ("you need to consume more than 20 eggs a day for biotin to be affected"),

I only had egg white smoothies 2-3 times a week. I believe that for me, it was the combination of egg whites and a compromised digestive flora that caused my deficiency.Nina in MA