Daily Recommended Biotin: Essential Guide to Proper Use and Dosage
How much biotin should you take daily. What are the recommended dosages for different age groups. Can you consume too much biotin. When is the best time to take biotin. How do you know if you need more biotin. What are good food sources of biotin.
Understanding Biotin: The Vital B Vitamin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in our body’s functioning. It’s involved in cellular energy metabolism and supports nervous system function. But what exactly does this mean for our health?
Biotin contributes to the body’s ability to convert the food we eat – fats, proteins, and carbohydrates – into cellular energy. This process is vital for our body to function properly. Additionally, biotin plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Why is Biotin Important?
- Supports cellular energy metabolism
- Aids nervous system function
- Contributes to healthy skin, nails, and hair
- Assists in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
While most people obtain sufficient biotin from their diet, understanding the recommended daily intake and potential benefits of supplementation can be valuable for maintaining optimal health.
Recommended Daily Biotin Intake: Age and Gender-Specific Guidelines
The recommended daily intake of biotin varies depending on age, gender, and specific life stages such as pregnancy and lactation. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the daily recommended amounts:
Age Group | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Birth to 6 months | 5 mcg | 5 mcg | – | – |
7–12 months | 6 mcg | 6 mcg | – | – |
1–3 years | 8 mcg | 8 mcg | – | – |
4–8 years | 12 mcg | 12 mcg | – | – |
9–13 years | 20 mcg | 20 mcg | – | – |
14–18 years | 25 mcg | 25 mcg | 35 mcg | 35 mcg |
19+ years | 30 mcg | 30 mcg | 30 mcg | 35 mcg |
For adults aged 19 and over, the average daily recommended amount for biotin is 30 mcg. This dosage supports all the basic functions your body needs biotin for, including metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Is 30 mcg of Biotin Enough?
For most adults, 30 mcg of biotin daily is sufficient to meet their body’s needs. This amount supports basic metabolic functions and contributes to maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. However, individual needs may vary based on factors such as diet, health conditions, and lifestyle.
Biotin Supplementation: Benefits and Safety Considerations
While most people get enough biotin from their diets, some individuals may benefit from supplementation. But is it safe to take higher doses of biotin?
Safety of High-Dose Biotin
Interestingly, even at higher dosages, excess biotin has not been shown to cause harm. Biotin has been used in clinical studies and medical settings at doses as high as 5,000 mcg per day for up to two years without significant adverse effects. In fact, when the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) were established by the Food and Nutrition Board in 1998, no tolerable Upper Level (UL) was set for biotin due to the lack of reported adverse events.
Potential Interactions with Lab Tests
While biotin supplementation is generally considered safe, it’s important to note that high doses of biotin may interfere with certain laboratory tests. For instance, biotin supplements can cause false results in some tests that measure thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you’re taking biotin supplements, especially before undergoing any medical tests.
Optimal Timing for Biotin Intake: Morning or Night?
A common question among those considering biotin supplementation is whether it’s better to take biotin in the morning or at night. The answer might surprise you.
Flexibility in Timing
You can take biotin either in the morning or at night without significant differences in its effectiveness. The key factor is not the time of day, but rather the consistency of intake.
Why Consistency Matters
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means our bodies don’t store it for long periods. Instead, they use what they need and flush out the excess daily through urine. This characteristic makes regular, consistent intake crucial for maintaining adequate biotin levels in the body.
The most important aspect of biotin supplementation is ensuring you consume enough regularly over time, rather than focusing on the specific time of day you take it.
Identifying Biotin Deficiency: Signs and Risk Factors
While biotin deficiency is rare in the United States, certain populations may be at higher risk of not getting enough biotin. Understanding the signs of deficiency and who might be more susceptible can help ensure adequate intake.
Who’s at Risk for Biotin Deficiency?
Certain groups may be more likely to experience biotin deficiency or inadequate intake:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with alcohol dependence
- People with certain genetic disorders affecting biotin metabolism
Signs of Biotin Deficiency
While a full-blown biotin deficiency is uncommon, a “nutrient gap” can occur when dietary intake falls below the recommended 30 mcg per day. Over time, this gap can potentially lead to deficiency. Some signs that might indicate a biotin deficiency include:
- Brittle nails
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Dry, scaly skin
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if a biotin deficiency is the cause and recommend appropriate steps to address it.
Biotin-Rich Foods: Natural Sources to Boost Your Intake
For those looking to increase their biotin intake through diet, numerous delicious and nutritious options are available. Incorporating these foods into your meals can help ensure you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin.
Top Biotin Food Sources
Here’s a list of some biotin-rich foods and their approximate biotin content:
Food | Biotin Content (mcg) | Percent Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Beef liver, cooked (3 ounces) | 30.8 | 103% |
Egg, whole, cooked | 10.0 | 33% |
Salmon, cooked (3 ounces) | 5.0 | 17% |
Pork chop, cooked (3 ounces) | 3.8 | 13% |
Sunflower seeds (1/4 cup) | 2.6 | 9% |
Sweet potato, cooked (1/2 cup) | 2.4 | 8% |
Almonds (1/4 cup) | 1.5 | 5% |
Incorporating Biotin-Rich Foods into Your Diet
To boost your biotin intake naturally, consider these tips:
- Include eggs in your breakfast routine
- Snack on nuts and seeds like almonds and sunflower seeds
- Incorporate sweet potatoes into your meals as a side dish
- Add salmon to your diet for its biotin content and other health benefits
- If you enjoy organ meats, consider occasional servings of beef liver
By incorporating a variety of these biotin-rich foods into your diet, you can help ensure you’re meeting your daily biotin needs through natural sources.
Biotin Supplements: When and How to Use Them
While obtaining nutrients from food sources is ideal, there are situations where biotin supplements may be beneficial. Understanding when and how to use these supplements can help you make informed decisions about your health.
When to Consider Biotin Supplements
You might consider biotin supplements if:
- You have a diagnosed biotin deficiency
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding and need additional biotin
- You have a condition that interferes with biotin absorption
- Your healthcare provider recommends supplementation
Choosing and Using Biotin Supplements
When selecting a biotin supplement, consider the following:
- Dosage: Most supplements contain between 30-100 mcg of biotin, though higher doses are available.
- Form: Biotin supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and gummies.
- Quality: Look for supplements from reputable manufacturers that undergo third-party testing.
- Additional ingredients: Some biotin supplements are combined with other nutrients for hair, skin, and nail health.
Always follow the dosage instructions on the label and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While biotin is generally considered safe, even at high doses, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions:
- Interactions with lab tests: High doses of biotin can interfere with certain medical tests, particularly thyroid function tests.
- Allergic reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to biotin supplements.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: While biotin is important during these periods, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
By understanding when and how to use biotin supplements, you can make informed decisions about incorporating them into your health routine if necessary.
How Much Biotin Per Day is Recommended? | Nature Made®
Oct 11, 2021
General Beauty
Quick Health Scoop
- Vitamin B7 (better known as biotin) is an essential nutrient that are involved in cellular energy metabolism and supports nervous system function
- It’s recommended adults ages 19 and over consume 30 mcg of biotin each day 1
- Biotin is generally considered safe at 2500 mcg and higher
- Biotin can be consumed from food or a dietary supplement either in the morning or at night, the important thing is to regularly consume enough of this vital B vitamin
- A biotin deficiency is rare1
If you’ve ever looked into nutrients to support healthy hair and skin, or a supplement like nail hair skin gummies, you’ve probably heard of Biotin. Biotin (or vitamin B7) is an essential B vitamin found in many foods that is involved in cellular energy metabolism and nervous system function. Another familiar B vitamin is folic acid, known as vitamin B9. Energy metabolism is how the body turns the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that you eat into the cellular energy your body needs to function properly.1 Biotin also contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, nails, and healthy hair.2 So, the answer to “how much biotin should I take” really depends on what you’re looking for.†
Learn More: Vitamins for Energy
Most people get an adequate intake of biotin from their diets alone.1 But if you want to make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient, or if you’re looking to increase your daily biotin intake, here are some key questions answered and a few guidelines to help you get started.
How Much Biotin To Take Daily
For adults ages 19 and over, the average daily recommended amount for biotin is 30 mcg.1 At this dosage, it supports all the basic things your body needs biotin for like metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats. †
Biotin is also beneficial for your hair and skin health. Even lower dosages of this nutrient can have a positive impact if you’re not getting enough from your diet or if you have a biotin deficiency (which is rare in the United States).†
How Much Biotin Per Day Do I Need?3
Age | Male | Female | Pregnancy | Lactation |
Birth to 6 months | 5 mcg | 5 mcg | ||
7–12 months | 6 mcg | 6 mcg | ||
1–3 years | 8 mcg | 8 mcg | ||
4–8 years | 12 mcg | 12 mcg | ||
9–13 years | 20 mcg | 20 mcg | ||
14–18 years | 25 mcg | 25 mcg | 35 mcg | 35 mcg |
19+ years | 30 mcg | 30 mcg | 30 mcg | 35 mcg |
Learn More: What is Biotin Good For?
Can You Take Too Much Biotin?
Not really! Even at higher dosages, excess biotin has not been shown to cause any harm. 1 Biotin has been used in clinical studies and in the clinical setting in doses as high as 5 mg/day (5,000 mcg/day) for up to two years. Because reports of adverse events were lacking when the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) were established by the Food and Nutrition Board in 1998, there was no tolerable Upper Level (UL) established for biotin.8 But if you’re taking a biotin supplement, always follow the instructions on the label, and consult with your physician if you are taking medication or planning to undergo lab testing. Stop use if you notice any adverse reactions.1
That said, consuming a biotin supplement may cause false results in some lab tests, such as tests that measure thyroid hormone levels.1
Should I Take Biotin At Morning Or At Night?
You can take biotin either in the morning or at night. The important thing here is consistency.
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin, meaning that our bodies don’t really store biotin. They use what they need and flush out the rest on a daily basis, through our urine.4
So, it doesn’t really matter when you consume biotin or take your biotin tablet, so long as you consume enough regularly, over time.
Learn more: When Is The Best Time To Take Vitamins?
How Do I Know If I Need More Biotin?
Most people get enough biotin from their diets alone. Certain populations, however, may struggle more than others to get enough biotin. These include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women1,5
- People with alcohol dependence1
While a biotin deficiency is rare in the United States, it is possible to have a biotin “nutrient gap.” A nutrient gap can occur when your dietary intake of biotin is lower than the minimum recommended amount, in this case lower than 30 mcg.6 Over time, if this gap continues, it can turn into a nutrient deficiency.6 If you experience symptoms, such as brittle nails, thinning hair or hair loss, you may have a biotin deficiency. 1
Learn More: What is Biotin Deficiency?
What Are Some Food Sources of Biotin?
If you’re looking to increase your biotin intake, you’re in luck! Biotin is found in lots of different and delicious foods. Here are just a few examples:3,5
Biotin Rich Foods | How Much Biotin Per Serving | Percent Daily Value |
Beef liver, cooked, 3 ounces | 30.8 mcg | 103 |
Egg, whole, cooked | 10.0 mcg | 33 |
Salmon, pink, canned in water, 3 ounces | 5.0 mcg | 17 |
Pork chop, cooked, 3 ounces | 3.8 mcg | 13 |
Hamburger patty, cooked, 3 ounces | 3.8 mcg | 13 |
Sunflower seeds, roasted, ¼ cup ODSHP | 2. 6 mcg | 9 |
Sweet potato, cooked, ½ cup ODSHP | 2.4 mcg | 8 |
Almonds, roasted, ¼ cup ODSHP | 1.5 mcg | 5 |
Tuna, canned in water, 3 ounces | 0.6 mcg | 2 |
Spinach, boiled, ½ cup | 0.5 mcg | 2 |
Broccoli, fresh, ½ cup | 0.4 mcg | 1 |
Cheddar cheese, mild, 1 ounce | 0.4 mcg | 1 |
Milk, 2%, 1 cup | 0.3 mcg | 1 |
Plain yogurt, 1 cup | 0.2 mcg | 1 |
Oatmeal, 1 cup | 0.2 mcg | 1 |
Banana, ½ cup | 0.2 mcg | 1 |
Shop Biotin Supplements
The Bottom Line
If you want to know how much biotin to take, start with what you’re looking for. Most people have a normal biotin level from their diets alone, as the average daily recommended amount of biotin is a mere 30 mcg for adults 19 and over. But biotin is also generally considered safe and tolerable even at higher dosages.1, 7 You can consume biotin or take a biotin supplement at morning or at night, the key here is that you regularly get enough of this nutrient.
If you’re looking to supplement with biotin, talk to your healthcare professional about which dosages are best for you. If you’re looking to start small, try increasing your biotin intake with foods such as eggs, salmon, cheddar cheese, pork, sweet potatoes, or sunflower seeds.3,5 However you choose to sneak this essential nutrient into your diet is up to you!
Learn More About Vitamins & Supplements:
Follow @NatureMadeVitamins on Instagram for new product news, healthy tips, and more.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- National Institutes of Health. “Biotin: Fact Sheet for Consumers.” Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). “Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for biotin.” EFSA Journal 12.2 (2014): 3580.
- National Institutes of Health. “Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
- MedlinePlus. “Vitamins.” US National Library of Medicine. 2021. Accessed on: October 8, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm
- Oregon State University. “Biotin. ” Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. 2015. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/biotin
- Oregon State University. “Micronutrient Inadequacies in the US Population: an Overview.” 2018. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. 2018. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview#shortfall-micronutrients
- Council for Responsible Nutrition. “Biotin.” Vitamin and Mineral Safety 3 Ed. 2013. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://www.crnusa.org/sites/default/files/files/resources/17-CRNVMS3-BIOTIN.pdf
- Harvard School of Public Health. “Biotin – Vitamin B7.” July 2019. Accessed June 16, 2022. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/
Sandra Zagorin, MS, RD
Science and Health Educator
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Biotin – Vitamin B7 | The Nutrition Source
The Nutrition Source
You may recognize vitamin B7 by its popular name of biotin. It is a water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in some foods and also in supplements. Biotin plays a vital role in assisting enzymes to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in food. It also helps to regulate signals sent by cells and the activity of genes. [1]
Recommended Amounts
An RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) does not exist for biotin because there is not enough evidence to suggest a daily amount needed by most healthy people. Instead, there is an AI (Adequate Intake) level, which is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy.
AI: The AI for biotin for men and women 19 years and older and for pregnant women is 30 micrograms daily. Lactating women need 35 micrograms daily.
UL: A Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the maximum daily dose unlikely to cause adverse side effects in the general population. There is no UL for biotin due to a lack of reports showing negative effects from very high intakes.
Vitamin B7 and Health
Biotin supplements are often glamorized as a treatment for hair loss and to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Although a deficiency of biotin can certainly lead to hair loss and skin or nail problems, evidence showing a benefit of supplementation is inconclusive. A handful of case reports and small trials have shown a benefit, but the study designs had weaknesses:
- The diagnoses of the type of hair conditions varied or were not cited at all. Researchers have also noted that certain hair loss conditions like alopecia can resolve spontaneously without treatment, so it is not clear that biotin supplements specifically caused the regrowth. [2]
- The studies did not measure the participants’ baseline blood levels of biotin to see if they were normal or deficient. Some research suggests that biotin supplements may be of most benefit in people who have a deficiency of the nutrient; however, again, there is a lack of studies that have measured biotin levels before and during supplementation to confirm this conclusion. [3,4]
- To date, there is a lack of published studies to suggest that biotin supplements are beneficial for the growth of normal, healthy hair and nails. [2,5]
Despite the inconclusive evidence, biotin supplements remain popular. Between 1999 and 2016, the proportion of supplement users increased by nearly thirtyfold. [6] In November 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning based on reports of biotin supplements interfering with laboratory blood tests, causing incorrect results. High doses have produced either falsely elevated or decreased blood levels, depending on the test. This has affected lab results of certain hormones, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and vitamin D, as well as a biomarker for heart attacks called troponin. [7] Case reports of this occurrence showed people taking biotin amounts much higher than the AI level (30 micrograms daily or 0.03 mg) but in doses commonly found in supplements (10-300 mg). Biotin is often added to multivitamins and hair/nail/skin supplements. The FDA recommends that people inform their doctors at each visit of all supplements and doses they are taking.
Food Sources
- Beef liver
- Eggs (cooked)
- Salmon
- Avocados
- Pork
- Sweet potato
- Nuts, seeds
Signs of Deficiency and Toxicity
Deficiency
A biotin deficiency in the U.S. is rare, as most people eat enough biotin in a varied diet. Alcoholism can increase the risk of biotin deficiency and many other nutrients as alcohol can block their absorption, and also because alcohol abuse is generally associated with a poor dietary intake. About a third of pregnant women show a mild biotin deficiency despite eating adequate intakes, though the exact reason is not clear. [1]
Symptoms appearing with a biotin deficiency:
- Thinning hair
- Scaly skin rashes around eyes, nose, mouth
- Brittle nails
Toxicity
No evidence in humans has shown a toxicity of biotin even with high intakes. Because it is water-soluble, any excess amount will leave through the urine. There is no established upper limit or toxic level for biotin.
Did You Know?
Those who frequently enjoy raw eggs in recipes for mayonnaise, Caesar dressing, or eggnog may want to reconsider. A protein in raw eggs called avidin can bind to biotin, preventing its absorption. Cooked eggs are not an issue because avidin is broken down when heated.
Related
B Vitamins
Vitamins and Minerals
References
- National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/. Accessed 6/10/19.
- Walth CB, Wessman LL, Wipf A, Carina A, Hordinsky MK, Farah RS. Response to: “Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders”. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018 Dec 1;79(6):e121-4.
- Lipner SR. Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018 Jun 1;78(6):1236-8.
- Lipner S. Reply to:“Response to ‘Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders’”. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018 Dec 1;79(6).
- Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A review of the use of biotin for hair loss. Skin appendage disorders. 2017;3(3):166-9.
- Li D, Rooney MR, Burmeister LA, Basta NE, Lutsey PL. Trends in Daily Use of Biotin Supplements Among US Adults, 1999-2016. JAMA. 2020 Aug 11;324(6):605-7.
- S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA Warns that Biotin May Interfere with Lab Tests: FDA Safety Communication. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/fda-warns-biotin-may-interfere-lab-tests-fda-safety-communication Accessed June 10, 2019.
Last reviewed March 2023
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how to take, side effects, dosage
Now biotin is one of the most popular vitamins for hair. Let’s see if it is really useful, what useful properties and side effects it has, who this supplement is suitable for.
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Would you like to try taking biotin to improve the condition of your hair? Then you need to know all its strengths and weaknesses.
What is biotin?
Biotin is an organic, water-soluble substance that belongs to the B vitamin family. It is also known as vitamin B7 or H (pronounced “ah” or “ash”). The body needs biotin to convert certain nutrients into energy. In addition, biotin affects the health of hair, skin and nails.
Lack of biotin leads to hair loss and red rashes on the skin (primarily on the face). However, deficiency of this vitamin is rare: we usually get enough biotin in food. Nevertheless, many girls increase its amount in the hope that h-magic will turn their hair into a luxurious mane – thick and shiny.
Is it worth it? Let’s figure it out!
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What do the studies say about biotin and hair growth?
Our hair, nails and top layers of skin are made up primarily of keratin, a special type of protein. The fact that biotin improves their condition has long been known. Even this vitamin got its name due to this property: the German words “Haar” (hair) and “Haut” (skin) begin with H.
However, studies on the effect of biotin on hair growth are not carried out all that often. There is currently only limited evidence that vitamin H has a similar effect. One of them was conducted in 2015: women who suffered from hair loss were given a supplement containing biotin. After 90 days, it turned out that those who took it, there is an active growth of hair where there used to be foci of hair loss. Similar results were obtained by scientists three years earlier: in 2012.
Alas, both works have one common drawback: the composition of the supplements that the subjects drank included not only biotin, and therefore it cannot be confidently asserted that it was he who had the effect pleasing women.
Recommended Daily Intake of Biotin
Biotin deficiency is rare, so official agencies (e.g., the US Food and Drug Administration) do not report the recommended amount, noting that it varies depending on age, gender and general th state of human health.
Experts recommend the following daily dosage recommendations:
- up to 3 years: 10 to 20 mcg;
- 4 to 6 years: 25 mcg;
- 7 to 10 years: 30 mcg;
- over 10 years: 30 to 100 mcg.
But these are just general tips. To determine how much biotin you need, you should talk to your doctor, who will explain how much of the vitamin you should take to get the most benefit.
There are two ways to get more biotin: add biotin-rich foods to your diet, or buy a supplement that contains vitamin B7.
Products that contain biotin
Biotin is not uncommon. It is included in many products, and therefore adding them to the diet is not difficult even with the most intricate diet. It is found in:
- organ meats such as liver or kidneys;
- salmon;
- egg yolk;
- sweet potato;
- nuts – almonds, peanuts and walnuts;
- soybeans and other legumes;
- avocado;
- whole grain products;
- bananas;
- cauliflower and broccoli;
- mushrooms.
Cooking reduces the effectiveness of biotin, so it’s best to choose foods that can be eaten raw. Do you love walnuts? It’s time for them! And do not forget to read how much biotin is contained in different products – so you can regulate its amount.
Biotin supplements
Another way to increase your biotin intake is to buy vitamin B7 supplements. They are available as capsules and tablets, and there will be no need to calculate the dosage, as is the case with products. This is much more convenient than thinking every time at dinner: “So, I ate a salmon steak weighing 200 g, and biotin is in it …”
Most people can take vitamin B7 supplements without any negative effects. But there are exceptions: there are those who are not lucky enough to face side effects. Problems include nausea, diarrhea, and cramps.
As you can see, not the most pleasant results! Before taking biotin, be sure to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking biotin, as well as the optimal dosage. Perhaps you just need to follow the instructions in the instructions, but it is possible that you will have to take a different number of capsules than the manufacturers recommend.
Additional Benefits of Biotin
According to dermatologist and cosmetologist Anna Sambuk, biotin supports healthy hair and promotes hair growth. “This is an important micronutrient in the normal cycle of the hair follicle,” says the expert. The cycle consists of three phases, and biotin controls the timely transition from one to another. “In addition, biotin is important for the production of collagen, a substance critical for the elasticity and silkiness of hair and healthy nails,” Sambuk adds.
But biotin is not only useful for this: it also has other proven beneficial properties. For example, biotin is one of several B vitamins that support a healthy metabolism. Biotin converts glucose from carbohydrates into energy for the body and helps amino acids perform their normal functions.
It is also believed that biotin can:
- reduce inflammation;
- improve cognitive function;
- help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes;
- increase “good” HDL cholesterol and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Taking Biotin: Risks and Warnings
Adding more biotin-rich foods to your diet does not carry any risks – unless, of course, a gastroenterologist tells you otherwise, who thinks that you should not lean on beans.
But if you choose a supplement, then you should consult a specialist. He will tell you how biotin is combined with the medications you are taking, help you choose the daily dosage and warn you about possible side effects.
Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, it is easily excreted in the urine, making overdose unlikely. But if you develop a rash after you start taking the supplement, then by all means contact your doctor.
How quickly does the effect of biotin appear?
Be patient – you will have to wait a long time, and you also need to be consistent. Decided to eat more foods with biotin? Add them to your menu daily and in sufficient quantities, and not on a case-by-case basis. Are you taking a supplement? Do not forget about the next capsule after eating, otherwise you will just waste your money.
Few studies, but note that usually the women who took part were observed for at least 90 days. Sometimes this period was longer – 120 days, that is, four months. So don’t expect curls to instantly transform, because biotin is a vitamin, not a magic spell.
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It is worth noting that biotin (vitamin H) is a water-soluble vitamin that is produced by our body on its own. Also, biotin is found in a number of products with which it also enters our body. You can also find biotin with a lower content in various preparations, dietary supplements, vitamin complexes.
To date, there is no consensus on the daily need of the body for biotin, in different sources about the body’s need for biotin varies in a wide range, depends on a number of factors, such as: age, gender, weight, lifestyle and ranges from 50 to 300 mcg.
In a number of countries (for example, the USA) it has long been concluded that biotin is necessary for the health, length and density of hair, but for this it must be taken in a concentration that exceeds our daily requirement.
According to the experience of American users, in order to stop hair loss and accelerate their growth, as well as improve the structure, biotin intake should be started with 5 mg (5000 mcg) per day.
In case of serious problems: hair loss (especially focal), thinning of their structure, brittleness, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by even minor gastrointestinal diseases, frequent alcohol consumption, unbalanced diet, instability of the nervous system, the daily dose should be increased to 7.5 mg (7500 mcg) or 10 mg (10000 mcg).
Biotin is recommended to be taken in cycles, but continuous use is not recommended.
Depending on the dosage, biotin should be taken constantly, one tablet per day for 1 to 2 months, and then take a break for at least 2 weeks.