Biotin (vitamin B7) is essential for metabolism and energy, but deficiency is rare; high doses may interfere with lab tests.
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin vital for metabolic functions, particularly as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, and supporting energy production via gluconeogenesis. While commonly marketed for hair, skin, and nail benefits, its effects are most significant in biotin-deficient individuals. Standard dosages range from 30-100 mcg daily. Potential side effects are usually mild, although high doses can significantly interfere with lab tests, particularly immunoassays. Individuals consuming biotin, particularly at high doses, must inform their healthcare providers before undergoing any blood tests to ensure accurate interpretation of results. Biotin also plays a role in fetal development, highlighting the importance of adequate intake during pregnancy.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
30-100 mcg daily
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Biotin is naturally produced by bacteria, yeasts, molds, algae, and some plant species. Commercial production can involve chemical synthesis or microbial fermentation.
Use Type
BothPotential Benefits
This benefit aims to improve overall skin health and appearance through increased hydration, reduced inflammation, improved elasticity, and protection from environmental damage. Healthy skin exhibits a smooth texture, even tone, and strong barrier function.
Supports healthy nerve function in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes nerve signal transmission, nerve cell protection, and nerve regeneration.
Promotes hair growth by stimulating follicles, increasing density, and reducing shedding. It also enhances hair strength and supports keratin production.
Nail strength improves nail resilience, reducing brittleness and breakage through nutritional support or topical treatments. This results in healthier, stronger nails with improved thickness and smoothness.
Hair loss prevention reduces hair thinning and shedding by improving scalp health, strengthening hair follicles, and addressing hormonal imbalances. This leads to increased hair density, new hair growth, and improved hair appearance.
Supports hair strength and reduces shedding, especially in individuals with biotin deficiency. Mechanisms may include enhanced keratin production.
Improves nail health and appearance by increasing nail thickness and reducing brittleness. Results in stronger, more resilient nails less prone to damage.
Metabolic support optimizes energy production and nutrient utilization by enhancing metabolic pathways and maintaining healthy blood sugar. It promotes overall health, energy, and weight management.
Biotin supports keratin production and may improve hair, skin, and nail health, particularly in individuals with biotin deficiencies. Evidence for its efficacy in those with sufficient biotin levels is limited.
Gluconeogenesis is the body's process of creating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, essential for maintaining blood sugar levels during fasting or low-carb diets. Biotin plays a crucial role in this process.
Biotin is essential for fetal development during pregnancy due to its role in metabolic processes and cell growth. Adequate biotin intake supports the healthy development of the fetus's organs and tissues.
Possible Side Effects
Gastrointestinal upset involves a variety of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate an underlying condition if persistent.
Digestive upset includes various gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, stemming from factors such as medication, diet, or infections. The severity and duration vary depending on the cause and individual sensitivity.
Acne is a common skin condition involving comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules caused by factors like excess sebum, clogged follicles, inflammation, and bacteria. Severity ranges from mild breakouts to severe inflammation and scarring.
A mild, typically non-itchy skin rash, characterized by small bumps or red patches, can occur in some individuals, especially with high doses. It usually resolves spontaneously within a few days to weeks.
Biotin supplementation can interfere with certain laboratory tests, leading to falsely elevated or decreased results, potentially causing misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Patients should inform healthcare providers about biotin use before lab tests.
High doses of biotin can interfere with laboratory tests, particularly immunoassays, leading to falsely elevated or decreased results that may result in misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
Gastrointestinal issues include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting, potentially stemming from altered gut motility, microbiota changes, or irritation. While often mild, persistent symptoms necessitate evaluation, and contributing factors like pre-existing conditions should be considered.
High-dose biotin supplementation can paradoxically cause skin rashes, including maculopapular, erythematous, or urticarial eruptions. The cause is not fully understood but may involve altered immune responses or vitamin metabolism interference.
Biotin supplementation can interfere with lab tests, especially thyroid function tests and troponin assays, potentially causing falsely high or low results. Inform healthcare providers about biotin intake before testing.
Scientific Evidence
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
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