Vitamin B7 (Biotin) supports metabolism and nail health, but high doses can cause issues and interfere with lab tests.
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It's often touted for its benefits to hair and nail health, though evidence is stronger for nail health improvements than for hair growth, particularly in individuals with a deficiency. Biotin is generally considered safe at recommended dosages, but high doses can potentially cause skin rashes, digestive upset, and importantly, can interfere with certain lab tests. Pregnant women require adequate biotin for fetal development. It is available naturally from eggs, yeast, and plants, and can also be synthesized.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
30-100 mcg daily
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Biotin can be extracted from natural sources like yeast, eggs, and certain plants. It can also be synthesized chemically, often using multi-step organic synthesis processes involving various chemical reactions and purification steps to achieve a high purity product.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Supports healthy nerve function in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes nerve signal transmission, nerve cell protection, and nerve regeneration.
Metabolism support enhances the body's ability to convert food into energy, promoting weight management and overall metabolic health. It aids in efficient energy use and reduces the risk of metabolic disorders.
Silica may strengthen hair and nails by supporting keratin production, leading to thicker hair and stronger nails. It potentially reduces brittleness by improving the structural integrity of these tissues.
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
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.
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
Said, H. M. (2011). Biotin: the forgotten vitamin. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 93(1), 152-155. Mock, D. M. (2009). Biotin. Sub-cellular biochemistry, 49, 327-344. Trüeb, R. M. (2016). Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss. International journal of trichology, 8(2), 73-77.
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