Biotin

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a vitamin found in foods like egg yolks, fish, organ meats such as kidney and liver, nuts, dairy products, and bananas. Biotin acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. Key biotin-dependent enzymes include pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl-CoA carboxylase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which are essential for various metabolic pathways.

Most healthy individuals get enough of this essential vitamin from eating a balanced or varied diet. And a deficiency is rare, so the majority of the population does not need to take a biotin supplement.

Biotin deficiency can cause thinning of the hair and a skin rash (seborrheic dermatitis) on the scalp and face. It may also affect your nail health and cause brittle nails. There is also a rare genetic disorder called biotinidase deficiency that affects biotin metabolism and can lead to severe deficiency symptoms.

Blood tests can confirm if you have a biotin deficiency and need a supplement.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using biotin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of biotin:

• Biotin is found in many foods, so a varied diet is enough for most people to get enough biotin daily.
• If you are taking a biotin supplement, be sure to take it consistently. The time of day or taking it with food does not affect biotin absorption. However, if you are taking it without vitamins or proteins, check the label to see if these additional ingredients need to be taken a certain way.

Biotin does not commonly cause side effects, although some people have reported mild stomach upset, nausea, or cramping.

Research suggests that taking biotin supplements, even in high doses, has very little risk of serious side effects. It is a water-soluble vitamin. This means your body uses what it needs and then gets rid of the rest through urinary excretion. It does not store extra biotin.

While high intakes and very high intakes of biotin, including pharmacologic doses to prevent deficiency, are generally considered safe and do not cause toxicity, the FDA warns that they can interfere with certain laboratory tests.

Supplemental biotin, especially at high doses, can lead to incorrect results on lab tests such as thyroid function tests and those measuring your thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. It may also include tests used to diagnose conditions such as heart disease, anemia, certain cancers, and pregnancy.

It is important that you always tell your doctor about any dietary supplements you take, especially before any blood tests.

These are not all of the possible side effects of biotin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting biotin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have diabetes
• Have thyroid disease
• Have heart disease
• Have a genetic disorder, such as biotinidase deficiency, that impairs biotin metabolism
• Have any upcoming lab tests
• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan on breastfeeding

There are no contraindications associated with the use of biotin.

The time it takes biotin to work will vary depending on your biotin levels, your dose, overall health, and what condition you are treating.

In general, it can take several weeks to months for you to see any noticeable effects. For example:

• Hair growth: It may take 2 to 3 months to see improvements in hair growth or thickness.
• Skin and nails: Stronger nails and improved skin may take 1 to 2 months.
• Biotin deficiency: You may see improvements in your biotin levels within a few weeks of starting a supplement.

Biotin uptake in the small intestine is regulated by the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT), and drug interactions can affect this process and decrease how much biotin is absorbed.

Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, can decrease biotin levels in the body, potentially leading to deficiency.

Raw egg whites can also interfere with biotin absorption. They contain the protein, which binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed in the body.

Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking.

With biotin, there is no established Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). For most healthy adults, an Adequate Intake (AI) or Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) is 30 micrograms (mcg) of biotin per day. Other recommendations include:

• Pregnant: 30 mcg per day
• Breastfeeding: 35 mcg per day
• 14–18 years: 25 mcg per day
• 9–13 years: 20 mcg per day
• 4–8 years: 12 mcg per day
• 1–3 years: 8 mcg per day
• 7–12 months: 6 mcg per day
• Birth–6 months: 5 mcg per day

The majority of people get their recommended daily AI from their diet and will not need supplementation.

If you need a biotin supplement, it is available as a multivitamin, B-vitamin complex, or individual supplement. Oral biotin supplements are available in various strengths, including high-dose biotin formulations. Biotin supplementation is commonly used for people with a deficiency. At UDS, we carry various strengths, including 2500 mcg, 5000 mcg, and 10,000 mcg tablets.

Biotin should be stored at room temperature and out of the reach of children.

There are many store brands and pharmaceutical companies that manufacture biotin.

Yes, there are various generic and store-brand versions of biotin.

If you are taking biotin supplements for a deficiency, you should not stop taking them without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Yes, you can use biotin during pregnancy as it's essential for your baby's development and is found in most prenatal vitamins. The recommended intake for pregnant women is 30 mcg per day.

While eating foods that are rich in biotin may provide an adequate intake, a daily supplement may be needed to help prevent deficiency. It is important that you consult your healthcare provider before taking any biotin supplement during pregnancy to discuss your individual needs and ensure it doesn't interfere with medical tests.

Lactating women have higher requirements, so biotin intake should be enough to support both mother and infant during breastfeeding.

The recommended adequate intake for lactating women is 35 mcg per day. You may be able to get enough through your diet. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They may recommend taking a biotin supplement to prevent deficiency.