Biotin accounts for only half of the total avidin-binding substances in human serum

In studies using an avidin-binding assay to measure the serum or plasma concentration of biotin, biotin is sometimes assumed to be equal to the avidin-binding substances detected. To provide a range of values for serum concentrations of biotin, bisnorbiotin, and biotin sulfoxide, HPLC was used to separate avidin-binding substances in human serum, and the chromatographic fractions were assayed for avidin-binding substances (biotin and biotin metabolites). In sera from 15 normal fasting adults, substantial concentrations of avidin-binding substances other than biotin were detected. Two of the principal substances were identified as bisnorbiotin and biotin sulfoxide based on their chromatographic properties. The serum concentrations of bisnorbiotin and biotin sulfoxide varied widely among the individuals. In three subjects, the concentration of bisnorbiotin exceeded that of biotin. The presence of avidin-binding substances in addition to biotin may have confounded previous measurements of the concentration of biotin in serum, plasma, and blood when avidin-binding assays were used. Because bioassay methods for biotin sometimes use organisms for which one or more of these biotin metabolites are growth factors, measurements of biotin in blood using some bioassays are likely to overestimate the concentrations of biotin.