Quantification and lowering of serum biotin

An enzyme-linked assay was developed to quantify serum biotin concentrations in experimental animals and humans. With this assay the effect on serum biotin concentration after intravenous injection of streptavidin or the addition of avidin to food was studied in rabbits and dogs. Intravenous injection of streptavidin reduced serum biotin values quickly but temporarily, in a dose-dependent manner in both species. Addition of avidin to the diet lowered biotin values approximately four- to fivefold in the rabbits, with resultant biotin concentrations similar to those of humans.