Biotin is used as a medical therapy in prescription form to treat a documented biotin deficiency with related symptoms of hair and skin changes. It’s also sometimes used in children with a specific condition called biotin idase deficiency.
While much of the fascination with biotin is about what it does for hair, skin, and nails, it can do a lot more for your body than potentially improving the appearance of these three Biotin Capsules in India. Here's what you should know about the vitamin, plus how to tell whether taking biotin supplements is a good fit for you.
Biotin is commonly taken as a supplement by the general public to help with hair loss and to promote hair health, though there’s no solid scientific evidence to support these uses.
Here's the thing: It's actually pretty rare to have a biotin deficiency if you eat a varied diet, Cording says. The Mayo Clinic specifically cites conditions like a genetic disorder of biotin deficiency, seborrheic dermatitis in babies (a skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash), and surgical removal of the stomach as possible causes of a biotin deficiency. A heavy drinking habit can also inhibit your body's ability to absorb biotin, the NIH says Biotin Supplement for Hair.
How can I get more biotin from my diet?
Dermatologists recommend eating more of these foods if you want to up your biotin intake without taking a supplement.
• Egg yolks
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Salmon
• Lean meats, or organ meats such as liver
If you're on biotin supplements and you have an upcoming scheduled blood test, Angelone recommends stopping the supplements three days before your lab work. (It's still a good idea to let your doctor know you've been taking them, though.) Biotin supplements can also interfere with medication, including anticonvulsants, so be sure to flag them to your doctor if you're taking any regular medication.
Does biotin have side effects?
Truth is, you’re most likely never going to hear about someone ODing on biotin. It almost never happens. “Side effects from having a high dose or overdose of biotin are rare,” says Best Biotin Supplement. “Because it is so easily excreted in urine and feces, the body can simply get rid of any excess.”
If you want to take a biotin supplement, you're probably OK to do so — just mention it to your doctor first to make sure there are no potential issues with your health. And if you're diagnosed as having a biotin deficiency, talk to your doctor about how much more biotin you'll need, plus which supplements might be right for you. Here are a few to consider.
The U.S. Biotin 10000 Mcg Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this product for medicinal purposes, aside from use as an additive in certain prescription multivitamins.
