The effect of biotin supplementation on ascorbic acid metabolism in chickens.

The objective of the paper was to show the effect of supplementation of biotin (vitamin H) on vitamin C synthesis in chickens. A significant vitamin C increase was observed in kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, glandular stomach, jejunum wall, caecum wall and in blood plasma. A clear increase in the level of D-glucuronic acid was observed in adrenal glands, jejunum wall, and caecum wall. The activity of L-gulono-gamma-oxidase enzyme clearly increased in adrenal glands, jejunum wall and in stomach. The increase in vitamin C synthesis was found in adrenal glands, jejunum, caecum wall and stomach, but accumulation of vitamin C took place in liver and kidneys. The data imply that the supplementation of biotin accelerates vitamin C synthesis in chickens. Biotin, increasing vitamin C level in the organism, indirectly affects all the processes taking place with the participation of vitamin C.