Biotin (Vita-B7) is the name given to which vitamin?

Appeared in: Tripura CHO - 2021

Explanation

Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is also known by two other common names: Vitamin B7 and Vitamin H.
The name 'Vitamin H' originates from the German words 'Haar' and 'Haut', which translate to 'hair' and 'skin'.
This naming is due to the fact that a deficiency in biotin often manifests as dermatological issues, including hair loss (alopecia) and skin rashes (dermatitis).
It functions as an essential coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, which are critical in the metabolic pathways of fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids.

Option B: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, not another name for biotin. Its primary role is in synthesizing clotting factors, which are essential for blood coagulation.
Option C: Vitamin A (Retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin unrelated to biotin. It is fundamentally important for vision, particularly night vision, as well as immune function and epithelial cell integrity.
Option D: Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions primarily as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage by free radicals. It is not another name for biotin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin Nomenclature as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be familiar with the various names of vitamins (e.g., Biotin, B7, H) to ensure accurate patient assessment, medication administration (supplements), and dietary counseling, preventing confusion and potential errors.
Biotin deficiency, though uncommon, can be seen in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition, those with malabsorption syndromes, or individuals on certain anticonvulsant therapies. Recognizing symptoms like dermatitis and alopecia is key for nurses.
What if? If a patient on long-term antibiotic therapy develops a skin rash and hair thinning, the nurse should consider that the disruption of gut flora might have reduced the endogenous synthesis of biotin, contributing to a deficiency.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of vitamin nomenclature.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Biotin (Vita-B7)'.
The question asks for another name for this vitamin.
Systematically review each option, recalling the alternative names and primary functions of each vitamin.
Recall that Biotin (B7) is also called Vitamin H, linking it to 'Haar' and 'Haut' (hair and skin) to remember its role.
Eliminate the other options (K, A, E) as they are distinct vitamins with different functions and are not alternative names for biotin.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QanACfniJVf78NgW_VbdkH

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 134-136

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 509-511

Practise the full Tripura CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.