Biotin

Biotin Benefits

Biotin has several known benefits, including:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A biotin deficiency is not common, but pregnant women are slightly more at risk than others. Around 50% of pregnant women may be deficient in this vitamin, without being aware of any signs or symptoms[1]. Vitamin B3 is not only important during pregnancy, but also while breastfeeding, because mothers pass biotin on to their babies via breast milk, giving them a healthy start in life[2].

Finger and Toe Nails: Biotin helps to strengthen the nails’ matrixes, the part from which the nails grow. It helps to strengthen nails and prevent them from splitting and breaking[3].

Healthy Skin: Because of biotin’s role in the synthesis of amino acids^[4], it helps your skin get the nutrients it needs to retain its elasticity and stay healthy.  

Side Effects and Interactions

Biotin is considered safe, though you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement, particularly if you are pregnant or if you have kidney disease. Reported side effects are mild and include hives and upset stomach. No side effects were reported from people taking up to 10 milligrams per day[5].

Taking certain medications may lower your blood levels of biotin. These drugs include phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and primidone. If you take any of these medications, then it may be a good is a to also take a biotin supplement.

High doses of biotin can also interfere with blood tests so be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking high doses of biotin greater than the RDA of 300mcg/day.[6]

Biotin Overdose

Because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, it is passed out of the body in the urine, which makes overdose unlikely.  However, possible signs of excessive biotin intake include a skin rash, slower release of insulin, high blood sugar levels, and reduced vitamin C and B6 levels. If you are taking a biotin supplement and experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should talk to your physician as soon as possible.

Biotin for Hair Growth

Biotin supports hair growth, strength, and health. A biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss[7]. Not only does biotin strengthen the structure of the hair, it also helps improve the condition of hair that has been damaged by harsh chemicals in hair products, the sun’s UV rays, and styling tools. If you are noticing unusual hair loss, a daily biotin supplement can help to support healthy hair growth[8].

Hair Growth Products Containing Biotin

DrFormulas™ HairOmega® 3-in-1 DHT Blocker with Biotin

Why take three separate supplements to support the health of your hair, nails, and skin when you can take them in one hair growth tablet? HairOmega® 3-in-1 combines biotin with saw palmetto, grape seed extract, red clover, vitamin C, and zinc in a proprietary combination designed to improve the health and condition of the hair while strengthening nails and leaving skin soft and radiant. 

HairOmega® DHT Blocker with Biotin

DrFormulas™ HairOmega® DHT Blocker with Biotin blends vitamin B3 with Pygeum africanum, which is known for its beta-sitosterol content; the potent antioxidant Lycopene; the bioflavonoid quercetin; and saw palmetto extract. These ingredients inhibit the production of DHT, and support healthy hair growth.

HairOmega® Multivitamin Gummy System with 5000 mcg Biotin for Hair Growth

HairOmega® Multivitamin gummies have biotin added to ensure you are getting enough of the nutrients you need in your daily diet. They taste delicious and are so easy to take. The proprietary formula supports healthy nails, skin and hair as well as overall health.

A healthy diet is essential to ensure that your hair maintains a healthy growth cycle so that you can avoid unnecessary hair loss, and part of a healthy diet should include biotin. Taking a supplement will provide you with the recommended daily dose. Visit our blog to learn more healthy hair tips and techniques and how nutrients can help you make every day a good hair day.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9164991/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230210/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2273113

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5395584

[5] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/biotin-side-effects.html

[6] http://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/january-2016-thyroid-month-beware-of-biotin/

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19727438/

[8] http://www.jbc.org/content/171/2/471.full.pdf