Biotin – Evidence-based Information on What Works (Sources, Benefits and Important Facts)

What is Biotin?

Biotin is a B-vitamin that your body is dependent on for maintaining a functioning metabolism. Without Biotin, we are not able to use the essential nutrients we gain from our diets.

A lack of Biotin may lead to seizures, thinning of hair, brittle nails, skin rash, and severe fatigue. A child with a biotin deficiency may experience a delay in development.

How Much Biotin Do You Need?

The recommended amount of Biotin you should consume each day depends on your gender and age:

Sources of Biotin

Biotin is stored in the liver. Therefore the most abundant food source is animal liver. Other organ meats and dairy products are also significant sources of Biotin. Salmon, tuna, and eggs are examples of good sources.

Plant-based options also provide adequate levels of Biotin in the diet. Almonds, Sunflower seeds, oatmeal, avocados, spinach, and broccoli are accessible sources of Biotin.

Biotin is stable when heated, meaning it does not leak out of food during the cooking process, making biotin deficiency in the healthy person a rare condition.

Health Benefits of Biotin

Biotin is often marketed as a must-have for healthy, shiny hair and nails. Current research shows that although a deficiency of Biotin can lead to hair loss and brittle nails, biotin supplementation does not lead to stronger hair and nails in healthy individuals.

Adequate levels of biotin present as functioning bodily processes, while a deficiency leads to a breakdown of multiple functions.

Another benefit of Biotin could be an increase in blood glucose control with those who suffer from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

NOTE: More research is needed before Biotin can officially be considered a treatment for increased blood sugars.

When You Should Supplement Biotin?

Dr. Andrew Youssouf, MD, says that while biotin deficiency is not common, it can cause unpleasant symptoms like hair loss, skin rashes, and fatigue. If you have conditions that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn’s disease, or are taking long-term antibiotics or anticonvulsants, you may be at a higher risk for deficiency. Make sure to pay attention to your body and talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

People who are at risk for deficiency should make a substantial effort to eat foods that are rich in Biotin to prevent deficiency. There are four groups of people who need to be acutely aware of their biotin intake, and if they cannot reach their needs with food, they will need to take a supplement.

Pregnancy and lactation

While a woman is pregnant, she may still be at risk for deficiency even if she consumes an adequate amount of Biotin. Metabolism is altered and intensified during pregnancy and lactation, which leads to an increased need for more Biotin to meet the demand.

The current recommendation for pregnant women is to obtain 30 mcg of Biotin per day. The recommendations for lactating women is up to 35 mcg.

Alcohol Abuse or Liver Disease

Because Biotin is stored in the liver, a person with the compromised liver function will have an increased need for Biotin. Alcohol abuse limits the absorption of many nutrients, and Biotin is one of them. People who chronically abuse alcohol will need to have their biotin levels checked annually to ensure they are consuming enough.

Biotinidase Deficiency Disorder

Biotinidase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that prevents dietary Biotin from being used correctly in the metabolism. Due to the complications of this disorder, all newborns in the united states are checked before sent home. Treatment for biotinidase deficiency is continued oral supplementation of free Biotin.

Anticonvulsant Medications

Medications that treat seizures have been shown to cause biotin deficiency by increasing the breakdown of Biotin in addition to limiting the absorption of replacement biotin. A biotin supplement may be necessary while taking anticonvulsant medications.

Consult your medical doctor before starting any supplements in addition to taking your medications.

Biotin Supplementation Safety

Consuming more Biotin than your body needs has not been shown to cause directly harmful effects. However, it may cause your doctor some confusion.

An overabundance of Biotin can falsely alter your hormone levels in blood work, your doctor may believe you have thyroid disease when you don’t. Before getting blood work done, tell your doctor and lab technician that you are taking a biotin supplement.

Cristen Lindsay RD, CNSC

Cristen Lindsay is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician. She has a demonstrated background in ... [Read Full Bio]