avidin

chemistry

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Avidin is a protein found in egg white that has a strong affinity for biotin, a type of vitamin. This protein inactivates biotin by binding to it. This interaction can lead to a condition known as "egg-white injury" in animals that consume large amounts of raw egg white. Avidin is classified as a glycoprotein and has a molecular weight of 16,200.12

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biotin
…white contains a specific protein, avidin, that combines with biotin and thus prevents its absorption. In practice, biotin deficiency results only from the prolonged consumption of an exceptionally large number of uncooked egg whites; symptoms include dermatitis and hair loss.
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…white contains a specific protein, avidin, that combines with biotin and thus prevents its absorption. In practice, biotin deficiency results only from the prolonged consumption of an exceptionally large number of uncooked egg whites; symptoms include dermatitis and hair loss.
Read More

protein
Egg proteins
Avidin is a glycoprotein that combines specifically with biotin, a vitamin. In animals fed large amounts of raw egg white, the action of avidin results in “egg-white injury.” The molecular weight of avidin, which forms a tetramer, is 16,200. Its amino acid sequence is known.
Read More
Avidin is a glycoprotein that combines specifically with biotin, a vitamin. In animals fed large amounts of raw egg white, the action of avidin results in “egg-white injury.” The molecular weight of avidin, which forms a tetramer, is 16,200. Its amino acid sequence is known.
Read More