What the Experts Have to Say – Cleveland Clinic

Biotin is a B vitamin that’s important for many body functions, including metabolizing food — the process of turning food into energy. And many people swear that biotin has improved their hair, skin and nail health, too.

But is biotin the magic solution to getting flowing locks, strong nails and glowing skin? Registered dietitian Courtney Barth, RD, explains the possible benefits of biotin and whether this nutrient could help you.

Benefits of biotin

Biotin plays an important role in converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. It also helps your body’s cells function well. Biotin is essential, which means you can’t live without it.

But why does biotin get superhero status when it comes to hair, skin and nail health? Maybe because biotin deficiency — not having enough biotin — can lead to:

• Brittle nails.
• Hair loss.
• Red, scaly rash.

“But biotin deficiency is rare in the U. S.,” Barth explains. “So if you have thinning hair or brittle nails, it’s probably not due to a biotin deficiency. There’s usually another health condition causing these problems, such as iron deficiency or a thyroid issue.”

So don’t assume taking biotin supplements will cure hair, skin or nail problems. “If you notice sudden changes in your hair, skin or nails, see your provider,” says Barth. “Don’t self-treat with biotin supplements without knowing the cause.”

How much biotin do you need?

Adults need 30 micrograms of biotin each day to avoid a deficiency. Most people get adequate biotin through their diet.

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“Biotin is in many of the foods we eat, such as fortified cereal, egg yolks, meat and legumes (like lentils, chickpeas and beans),” explains Barth. “And it’s always better to get your vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet rather than supplements.”

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you need more biotin, though — 35 micrograms per day.

“Pregnant or breastfeeding women often benefit from a prenatal vitamin,” says Barth. “Prenatal vitamins contain biotin, folic acid and other nutrients that are important for the health of the mother and baby. If you’re not sure which prenatal vitamin to take, ask your provider.”

Do biotin supplements help with hair growth?

Maybe you’re not worried about biotin deficiency but wonder whether a biotin supplement could help you get amazing hair. After all, many products advertise biotin as a hair growth booster.

“No studies have proven that biotin supplements will change the appearance of your hair, skin or nails,” Barth says. “But some people find that taking a biotin supplement helps them boost hair and nail growth. It’s usually not harmful to try biotin for thicker hair or healthier nails.”

If you decide to take a supplement, be patient. “It takes several months to see new hair or nail growth,” notes Barth. “Biotin may be worth a try if your doctor gives you the go-ahead. But it’s not a guarantee that you’ll see a major change in your appearance.”

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Biotin supplement side effects

Biotin supplements have few side effects if you take them as directed. “Biotin supplements and B-complex vitamins are safe for most people, though they may cause a slightly upset stomach,” Barth says.

High-dose biotin supplements can also interfere with certain medical test results, so tell your healthcare provider if you’re taking them, advises Barth.

Biotin and other B vitamins are water-soluble, so it’s hard to overdose on them. “If you take in more biotin than you need, your body doesn’t store it,” Barth explains. “You naturally get rid of excess biotin and other B vitamins when you urinate.”

Still, more is not always better. Don’t take more than the dosage listed on the package and stop taking biotin if you notice side effects.

A healthy lifestyle builds natural beauty

You can enhance your hair, skin and nail health even without a supplement. A balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and protein is important for all three. Drink plenty of water, too.

“Healthy food and proper hydration will help you feel and look your best,” says Barth.

Biotin for Hair Growth: Does It Work?

Biotin may support hair growth in people whose hair thinning or loss occurs due to a biotin deficiency. Other vitamin deficiencies may also affect the health of your hair.

Whenever I shop at a big box retailer, I like to browse their dietary supplement offerings to stay aware of any new products.

Increasingly, I’ve noticed more products that offer targeted health solutions, especially around hair growth and thickness.

Most of the products contain multiple ingredients. Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, is almost always one of them.

Similarly, many shampoos and conditioners that promise thicker, fuller hair often contain this B vitamin.

The reoccurring theme here is that biotin, whether taken as a supplement or lathered in your hair, supposedly benefits hair growth.

This article explains the link between biotin and hair health and whether the vitamin is effective and safe for hair growth or preventing hair loss.

Biotin has many benefits for your body.

Its primary role is to help turn the food you eat into energy. Your body also needs it to produce keratin — the type of protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails (1).

Many foods contain biotin, meaning that deficiency is rare in healthy people who eat a balanced diet (2).

Although rare, biotin deficiency can cause skin rashes, brittle nails, as well as hair thinning and loss. This owes to the vitamin’s role in keratin production (2, 3).

As such, biotin supplements and biotin-added hair products are commonly advertised to support healthy hair growth or promote thicker, voluminous hair.

Despite these claims, though, there’s limited evidence to suggest that supplementing with biotin or lathering it through your hair promotes hair growth in non-deficient people.

In an older 2012 study, women with self-perceived thinning hair were randomized to receive either a multi-ingredient hair growth supplement that contained biotin or a placebo for 6 months (4).

Those who received the hair growth supplement reported a visible increase in overall hair volume, scalp coverage, and thickness after the treatment period. Meanwhile, no significant changes were seen in the placebo group.

However, because the hair growth supplement contained multiple ingredients — including zinc and iron, which are also necessary for hair growth — it’s not possible to attribute the study’s findings to biotin alone.

Further, the study was small, and it’s possible that the participants were deficient in one or more nutrients present in the supplement that affect hair health. Any such deficiency could have been corrected through the study period, resulting in hair growth.

In a different study, researchers found that children who experienced improved hair growth or quality after taking biotin supplements all had an underlying condition that caused a biotin deficiency (3).

Outside of these studies, there is no strong evidence to support taking biotin supplements or using biotin-added hair products to promote hair growth (2).

Summary

A biotin supplement can help correct a biotin deficiency and restore hair health and growth. No strong evidence supports using biotin supplements or biotin-added hair products to promote hair growth in non-deficient people.

Although the evidence to support biotin alone for hair growth is weak and limited, the evidence is slightly stronger for preventing hair loss.

Still, biotin supplements are only likely to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth in people with a biotin deficiency.

In one study, a biotin deficiency was found in 38% of women complaining of hair loss. Of these participants, 11% had a history of deficiency risk factors, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or the use of certain medications like antibiotics (5).

While this study didn’t assess the effects of biotin supplements or biotin-added hair products on preventing hair loss, it demonstrates the link between hair loss and inadequate biotin levels.

Other causes of hair loss include (5, 6):

• androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern baldness
• rapid weight loss
• other nutritional deficiencies like iron, zinc, or protein
• certain hormonal diseases like thyroid disorder

Due to the multiple factors involved in hair loss and thinning, supplementing with biotin without determining the cause can prevent or delay the appropriate treatment in instances where a biotin deficiency isn’t at fault.

Even in cases where a biotin deficiency is present, biotin supplements may not necessarily prevent hair loss.

For example, researchers in one study prescribed a biotin supplement to 22 patients with low biotin levels for hair loss following gastric sleeve surgery (6).

After 3 months, 5 of the patients reported a significant decline in hair loss, 14 reported a small effect, and 3 reported no effect, demonstrating that other factors may also be at play when it comes to hair loss and its prevention.

Summary

Because hair loss is sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency with supplements can prevent hair loss in some people. However, hair loss can be a consequence of several other factors, too.

Normally, the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sets a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for each nutrient.

When there isn’t enough data to set an RDA for a nutrient, which is the case with biotin, the board instead sets an adequate intake (AI). This is the nutrient level assumed to be adequate for most people (7).

The AI for biotin is 30 mcg for adults and 35 mcg for women who breastfeed (2).

You can easily meet these recommendations by enjoying a balanced diet. In fact, it’s estimated that people living in the United States get about 35–70 mcg per day of biotin (2).

Here’s are some of the best sources of biotin (2):

Food	Micrograms (mcg)	Daily Value (DV)
Beef liver, 3 ounces (85 grams)	30. 8	103% of the DV
Egg, whole	10	33% of the DV
Salmon, 3 ounces (85 grams)	5	17% of the DV
Pork chop, 3 ounces (85 grams)	3.8	13% of the DV
Hamburger patty, 3 ounces (85 grams)	3.8	13% of the DV
Sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup (33.2 grams)	2.6	9% of the DV
Sweet potato, 1/2 cup (76.9 grams)	2.4	8% of the DV
Almonds, 1/4 cup (36 grams)	1.5	5% of the DV

Eggs are a good source of biotin, but avoid consuming them raw to get the most of the vitamin. Raw egg whites contain avidin, a type of sugar protein, which tightly binds biotin, preventing your body from absorbing it.

Cooking destroys avidin, allowing you to absorb biotin. Thus, it’s best — both for your safety and nutrition — to avoid raw eggs (2).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require food manufacturers to list biotin on their labels unless they add it to their products.

In addition to food, the bacteria in your intestines can make biotin. However, the role of gut bacteria on the overall biotin status of humans remains unknown — in part due to the complexity of the gut microbiota and the factors that influence its composition (8).

Summary

People in the United States generally meet or exceed the daily recommendation for biotin. Animal-based foods like eggs, meat, and fish tend to be the best source, but some seeds, nuts, and vegetables also contain it.

Biotin supplements are generally unnecessary unless you have a biotin deficiency or a risk factor that increases your risk of a deficiency.

People most at risk for a biotin deficiency include those with (2, 9):

• Biotinidase deficiency (BTD). A genetic disorder in which the body is unable to reuse and recycle biotin. Newborns in the United States and many other countries are screened for this disorder.
• Chronic alcohol use. Because alcohol inhibits biotin absorption, long-term alcohol use is associated with significant reductions in biotin levels.
• Malnutrition. Inadequate food and nutrient intake can lead to low nutrient levels, including biotin.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can decrease the gut bacteria’s production of biotin.

Those who are pregnant and breastfeeding can also develop low biotin levels despite normal dietary intake of the vitamin. This may be due to increased use of the vitamin, impaired absorption, or both (10).

People who take certain classes of medications like antiepileptics and retinoids are also at risk of a biotin deficiency (9).

Antiepileptics are commonly used to treat seizure disorders, nerve pain, and bipolar disorder. Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, commonly used to treat acne, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions (11).

Outside of these populations, biotin supplements or biotin-added hair products are unlikely to offer any benefits (12).

Summary

People at risk for biotin deficiency include people with BTD, chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, and IBD. Those who are pregnant and lactating as well as those who take certain medications are also at an increased risk.

Biotin taken as a dietary supplement is relatively safe and unlikely to have toxic effects since it’s water-soluble (1).

However, an overdose of biotin may cause insomnia, excessive thirst, and urination (13).

Taking them can also cause high biotin levels in your blood, which can interfere with certain lab tests, including those used to measure thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and heart health (2).

That’s because many lab tests utilize biotin due to its ability to bind with specific proteins and detect certain health conditions (14).

Therefore, always let your doctor know of any supplements you take or plan to take that contain biotin. These may include some prenatal and multivitamins.

It’s also worth noting that some antiepileptic drugs — like carbamazepine, primidone, phenytoin, and phenobarbital — can lower biotin levels.

If you take any of these, talk to your doctor or a dietitian to ensure you’re getting enough biotin, either through your diet, with a supplement, or a combination.

Summary

Biotin supplements are generally safe to take, but they can interfere with certain lab results. Thus, keep your healthcare provider in the loop of any supplements you take that may contain this vitamin.

There’s no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency.

Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.

Several other factors can also cause hair loss and thinning, including a deficiency in other nutrients like iron and zinc.

Most people get plenty of biotin from their diets. Yet, some conditions, lifestyle habits, and medications can cause low levels.

If you plan to take a supplement with biotin, let your doctor know before having any blood tests done since the vitamin can interfere with certain lab test results.

Just one thing

Try this today: Biotin isn’t the only vitamin researched for its possible hair growth benefits. Stop by this article to see the 5 best vitamins and 3 other nutrients for hair growth.

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BIOTIN FOR HAIR LOSS: Is it effective?

When faced with unusual hair loss, it is important to know how to proceed in order to avoid significant loss of hair density. One of the most popular remedies in recent times is what is known as biotin, which can be found in some shampoos as well as in nutritional supplements. But, Is biotin really effective against hair loss?

En Hospital Capilar, hairdresser in Madrid, Murcia and Pontevedra, we tell you everything you need to know about biotin for hair.

What is biotin?

Before you know how biotin works on hair loss, it’s important to know what it really is. Biotin is nothing but a B vitamin that promotes the production of enzymes in hair and skin.

Biotin can be found in foods such as oily fish or eggs. Also found in some dried fruits such as walnuts. The ideal way to keep your hair in good condition is to avoid deficiency of this nutrient, including through a healthy and varied diet.

How does biotin affect hair?

The main function of biotin in hair is to facilitate the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting blood circulation and oxygenation of the scalp . This keeps the hair healthy and in the best condition.

In short, biotin, along with other types of essential hair nutrients, is essential for maintaining healthy hair.

Is it true that biotin slows down hair loss?

Recently, many people decide to take biotin supplements for hair loss. But is it true that consuming this nutrient alone can reverse the effects of hair loss?

As we mentioned earlier, biotin contributes to the proper functioning of the scalp. However, the consumption of biotin for hair loss or its topical application will not stop us from hair loss. Yes, it’s true that it can help, but should never be used as a single and isolated treatment for unusual hair loss .

Therefore, it cannot be said that biotin is effective in treating hair loss on its own, but it is beneficial for the hair.

How to deal with unusual hair loss

If we notice a significant loss of hair density and even the appearance of areas without hair on the head, it is important to know how to act in order to reverse the effects as soon as possible.

Use effective hair products.

In cases where hair loss is not accompanied by the appearance of bald spots, hair loss remedies are very useful. Also in people with more severe hair loss, they are an ideal addition to other medical treatments.

Go for Hair Treatments

Continuous advances in hair medicine mean we now have effective treatments for common hair problems such as hair loss or hair miniaturization.

En Hospital Capilar we have medically tested hair care products to take care of your hair and stop it from falling out. All of them require a preliminary capillary diagnosis to determine which one best suits the needs of each patient.

Hair Redensification Treatment

El Hair Redensification Treatment, or HRT, consists of pharmaco-mesotherapy tailored to each patient. Thus, drugs and vitamins are injected into the scalp through subcutaneous infiltrates to treat hair loss from their root.

Capillary Regeneration Treatment

Another hair treatment at Hospital Capilar is called Capillary Regeneration Treatment or CRT. By extracting a small amount of blood from the patient himself, rich growth factors are obtained, which are injected into the scalp. Thus, hair regeneration is stimulated and hair miniaturization is prevented.

Biotin supplement for what

Recently, more and more people pay attention to their health and begin to take care of proper nutrition and sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. And one of the most important vitamins necessary for the normal functioning of the human body is biotin.

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that helps improve the body’s metabolic processes. Biotin is essential for the proper functioning of many systems and organs, including the skin, hair, nails, nervous system, and digestive system.

This is why biotin has become so popular as a food supplement, or dietary supplement (dietary supplement), which can be very beneficial for our health and overall well-being. In this article, we will look at the benefits of biotin in dietary supplements and the benefits of using this supplement in food.

General Health Benefits of Biotin

Biotin is a B-vitamin that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Biotin’s overall health benefits include:

• Skin Health Support : Biotin helps maintain skin health, strengthens its structure and facilitates cell regeneration.
• Hair & Nail Support : Biotin helps strengthen hair and nails for stronger, healthier looking hair.
• Nervous System Support : Biotin plays an important role in maintaining nervous system health and may help reduce stress levels and improve mood.
• Cardiovascular Health Support : Biotin may help support cardiovascular health, improve circulation, and lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Brain Health Support : Biotin may also help improve cognitive functions such as memory and concentration and reduce the risk of certain brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Biotin for beauty hair and nails

Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is considered an essential element for strengthening and growing hair and nails. It helps improve cell metabolism, which promotes the synthesis of keratin, an essential component of hair and nails.

Biotin is also considered a beauty and skin health vitamin. Scientists have proven that it helps maintain a healthy and radiant appearance of the skin, because it is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids important for skin health. Some additional benefits of biotin for skin beauty include increased elasticity and slowing down the aging process.

If you are looking to improve your nails and hair, adding biotin to your diet or taking biotin supplements may be helpful. You can find biotin in foods like eggs, spinach, and mushrooms, as well as supplemental form in dietary supplements.

The effect of biotin on the digestive system

Biotin is an important nutrient that affects the human digestive system. It is a necessary enzyme for many metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Biotin also helps to synthesize hormones needed for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Biotin can help speed up the process of breaking down food and increase the amount of digestive enzymes in the body. This in turn can improve nutrient absorption and prevent stomach and intestinal upsets.

In addition, biotin may be beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other dental disorders. It can help reduce inflammation and improve metabolism in the body.

Q&A:

What is dietary supplement biotin and why is it taken?

Biotin supplement is a dietary supplement that contains vitamin B7 (biotin). It is taken to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails, as well as to improve metabolism.

What should be the dosage of dietary supplement biotin?

The dosage of dietary supplement biotin depends on the age and health of the person. It is generally recommended to take 30-100 micrograms of biotin per day. It is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist to find out the exact dosage for you.

Can I take supplemental biotin during pregnancy?

Yes, the biotin supplement can be taken during pregnancy. Biotin is a safe vitamin that does not harm mother and baby. However, as in any other case, you should consult your doctor before taking a dietary supplement.

Are there any side effects of taking biotin supplement?

Side effects from taking biotin supplements are extremely rare. In rare cases, an allergic reaction or some gastrointestinal problems may occur. If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor.

Can people with gluten allergies take biotin supplements?

Yes, Biotin is gluten-free, so it is safe for people with gluten allergies to consume.

How long should I take biotin supplement?

The duration of taking biotin supplement depends on the purpose for which it is taken. If you are taking it to improve the health of your hair, nails, and skin, it is recommended that you take it for several months. However, as always, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking a dietary supplement.

Which foods contain biotin?

Biotin can be obtained from various foods such as eggs, milk, potatoes, spinach, nuts and yeast. However, if you are deficient in biotin, a supplement can be an effective way to make up for it.

Can supplemental biotin help with hair loss?

Yes, the biotin supplement can help with hair loss as it strengthens hair and stimulates hair growth. However, it should be borne in mind that the problem of hair loss can have different causes, and you should consult your doctor before starting to take a dietary supplement.

Can I take dietary supplement biotin with other vitamins?

Yes, biotin supplement can be taken with other vitamins. As a rule, biotin is part of a multivitamin, and it is taken along with other vitamins. However, before starting any vitamin supplement, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to avoid possible drug interactions.

Can I take dietary supplement biotin at night?

Yes, biotin supplement can be taken at night. The only thing to avoid is taking it too close to bedtime as it can increase wakefulness. It is best to take it a few hours before bedtime.

Reviews

Andrey Ivanov

Like many men my age, I gradually began to lose a lot of hair. Despite the fact that I try to go to bed on time, eat right and monitor my health, baldness continued to progress. In search of a solution to this problem, I began to look for information about various supplements that will help restore hair health. Advised to try bad biotin.

To be honest, I was a little skeptical, as I had never taken such drugs before. However, I decided to experiment and bought myself a bad biotin. I have been taking it for several weeks now and notice that my hair has become thicker, shiny and strong. I continue to take it and hope that this drug will help me regain a beautiful and healthy head of hair.

Olga Petrova

I have always had problems with my hair and nails, so I tried Bud Biotin. The result surprised me – a better effect than other supplements.

Elena Nikitina

In search of ways to strengthen hair and nails, I turned my attention to Bad Biotin. After several weeks of use, I saw a noticeable result: the hair became stronger and shiny, the nails were strong and without brittleness. I highly recommend it!

Vladimir Gromov

I suddenly encountered the problem of hair loss and began to look for ways to solve it. It turned out that biotin supplementation can help strengthen hair and stop hair loss. I bought this drug for myself and now I’m just starting to take it, but I already noticed that my hair has become a little stronger and healthier. I think I will continue to take it for a while and look at the end result.

Alexey Petrov

I have always had strong and healthy hair, but after I began to get involved in sports and an active lifestyle, the problems began. Frequent training, overwork, and poor nutrition began to have a negative impact on my health. The hair began to fall out, and the remaining ones became dull and weak. I went to a dermatologist for help and he advised me to start taking biotin supplements.

I was pleasantly surprised that dietary supplement biotin is a fairly affordable and inexpensive drug. I bought myself a course for 3 months and started taking it every day, following the instructions. After a week, I noticed that the hair stopped falling out so quickly and became stronger. Now, after about two months of using bad biotin, the hair has become much thicker and stronger, and also acquired a healthy shine. Moreover, I noticed that not only the hair, but also the nails became stronger and did not break.

I recommend this preparation to anyone who has experienced hair loss or wants to strengthen their skin, hair and nails.