# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H) vs. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H)
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin B7 is an essential sulfur-containing water-soluble vitamin serving as a prosthetic group for five carboxylase enzymes in gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and branched-chain amino acid catabolism. Adequate Intake (AI) is 30 µg/day (no Upper Limit established).

View full Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H) spec sheet →

Vitamin D3 is a secosteroid prohormone synthesized endogenously in skin via solar UVB irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Adult RDA is 600–800 IU (15–20µg), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 4,000 IU (100µg)/day, regulating systemic calcium absorption and immune gene expression.

View full Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Water-Soluble Ureido-Tetrahydrothiophene Vitamin Fat-Soluble Secosteroid Prohormone
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (No adverse effects recorded) 4,000 IU / day (100 µg) (Endocrine Society: up to 10,000 IU safe)
Chemical Forms
D-Biotin (Biologically active isomer), Biocytin (Biotinyl-lysine) Cholecalciferol (D3 - Animal/Lichen), Ergocalciferol (D2 - Fungi)
Primary Biological Function
Prosthetic group for Pyruvate Carboxylase (Gluconeogenesis), Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (Fatty acid synthesis), Propionyl-CoA Carboxylase, Histone biotinylation Calcitriol receptor (VDR) activation, intestinal calcium/phosphorus absorption, antimicrobial peptide synthesis
Deficiency Condition
Alopecia (Hair loss), Erythematous scaly periorofacial rash, Brittle nails, Neurological depression / hallucinations Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults), Immune dysregulation
Top Whole Food Sources
Egg Yolk, Beef Liver, Salmon, Pork Chop, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds, Sweet Potatoes Sunlight UVB, Atlantic Salmon, Sardines, Egg Yolk, Fortified Milk
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
30 µg / day (35 µg during lactation)
Raw Egg White (Avidin) Interaction
Raw egg albumen contains avidin glycoprotein which binds biotin with Kd ~10^-15 M (the strongest non-covalent bond known), completely blocking absorption unless cooked
Adult RDA / RDI
600 – 800 IU / day (15 – 20 µg)
Target Serum 25(OH)D Level
30 – 50 ng / mL (75 – 125 nmol / L)