Verywell / JR Bee
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is an essential nutrient.
Thus, you should probably get biotin from your diet or supplements.
Verywell / JR Bee
It’s best to get biotin from the food you eat.
Biotin helps your body:
Biotin is available in many common foods.
It’s mainly stored in your liver.
Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency
Biotin deficiency is rare in the United States.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose a biotin deficiency by carefully analyzing your symptoms and lab work.
Increasing biotin in your diet or via supplementation can be vital in correcting your deficiency.
Medications that can lead to biotin deficiency include the following:
Does Smoking Cause Biotin Deficiency?
Research shows that smoking cigarettes causes nutrients in the body to degrade faster.
There is evidence that smoking cigarettes can result in low levels of biotin as well.
Most support for these claims is anecdotal, but there is some promising scientific evidence, too.
Grow Hair
Biotin is often touted as a hair loss treatment.
Some proponents claim that biotin-containing products make your hair stronger and more luscious.
However, science only supports biotin for hair growth if a confirmed biotin deficiency has caused your hair loss.
Strengthen Nails
Biotin supplementation is sometimes used to treat brittle, worn-down nails.
However, biotin may interfere with lab work, resulting in false readings.
Check with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen.
They may suggest that you stop taking biotin before getting your labs done.
you’ve got the option to also purchase them offline.
It’s important to discuss your biotin use with your healthcare provider, especially before getting your labs done.
Safety
Biotin is unlikely to cause adverse side effects, even in high doses.
However, keep in mind that dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United States.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Summary
Biotin supplements are effective for hair loss and skin issues because of a biotin deficiency.
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your hair health.
Keep in mind that biotin can interfere with your lab work.
Talk with your healthcare provider about stopping it before getting your labs done.
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2021 Aug;321(2):123-133. doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00144.2021
Oregon State University.Biotin.
Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L.A review of the use of biotin for hair loss.Skin Appendage Disord.
2023;23(1):389.
2022;11(4):1118.
Published 2022 Feb 20. doi:10.3390/jcm11041118
Zempleni J, Mock DM.Biotin biochemistry and human requirements.J Nutr Biochem.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Biotin.
