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Studies have shown that biotin induces microtubule formation in neurons (7), and deficiency slows myelination (8), which may result in neuropathy. Biotin may also reduce the activity of interleukins and interferons, decreasing the number of leukocytes (9). While biotin has many uses, more research is needed to prove that it helps with these issues. The condition appears to respond to treatment with thiamin and biotin. A 2021 study showed biotin may be able to help with neuropathic pain. Research from 2016 indicated that biotin may assist with glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes.

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“Biotin supplements can affect various blood results, leading to false negatives or false positives, and that can be very dangerous.” Chat with your dermatologist before starting any new vitamin regimen. They can talk to you about any possible medical conditions causing hair loss, thinning hair, or just your overall hair health. They’ll also help you get the correct amount of biotin to reap its benefits so side effects aren’t a concern. If you’re solely relying on biotin to treat your hair loss, you could be neglecting the true cause and be in danger of missing the opportunity for early recognition and treatment. There is strong evidence suggesting that biotin supplementation can be very helpful in promoting hair growth in the case of deficiency, but the jury is still out on its efficacy for other types of hair loss.
Enhancing overall hair health

Further research is needed to support the use of biotin supplements for this purpose in healthy individuals. A study published in 2015 found that women with thinning hair experienced some reduction in shedding after taking an oral marine protein supplement for 90 days. However, biotin was only one ingredient in this supplement, and the research was sponsored by a company that sells health and beauty products. Another consensus among the experts interviewed for this story is that there is not enough research to prove that biotin actually aids hair growth.
Biotin For Hair Growth, Explained: Do Supplements Really Work? - GLAMOUR UK
Biotin For Hair Growth, Explained: Do Supplements Really Work?.
Posted: Sat, 24 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
vitamin B7 (biotin)
When you start taking biotin, it can contribute to the health of your hair, skin, and nails due to its role in keratin production. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting biotin. Note that biotin can interfere with lab tests if you have certain medical conditions. Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is often touted for its role in promoting hair growth.
You’ll need to take the vitamin for an extended amount of time if you hope to see any results. During the first couple of months of taking biotin, you may not notice any difference in your hair. According to another study performed on animals, biotin may help prevent kidney damage in people with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes. The choice between biotin and collagen may depend on personal preference and specific hair concerns. Biotin supplements are generally safe and do not interact with most medications. Biotin helps to strengthen the hair follicles, reducing the chances of hair breakage and loss.
Other natural remedies for hair growth
It’s important to address cortisol levels that contribute to stress-related hair loss, as well as any underlying inflammation that can weaken hair follicles. To help us get to the bottom of biotin and hair growth, we enlisted Annie Chiu, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute. Los Angeles-based Dr. Chiu specializes in overall skin health (and just so happens to have great hair!) Here’s everything you’ve wanted to know about biotin for hair growth. Legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils, black beans, and peas, are a good alternative for people who follow a vegetarian diet and want to consume more protein. Oysters are a good source of zinc, a mineral that supports the hair growth cycle. Some research has shown that a zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss.
Health benefits
This B vitamin has a reputation for helping your locks stay healthy, and it’s frequently recommended by dermatologists to help with hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by high levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. “These growth factors are then injected directly to the areas where the hair is thinning to help promote optimal growth of the hair in those areas,” Zeichner says. Sometimes called vitamin H, biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that helps metabolize carbohydrates and amino acids. “Biotin (vitamin B7) contributes to healthy metabolic, nerve, digestive, and cardiovascular functions,” says Dr. Chiu. Whether you got a haircut you think is a little too short, are dealing with damage from bleach and hair dye, or your hair has just thinned with age, you might be looking for ways to boost hair growth.
Though there aren’t many known drug interactions with these supplements, it’s best to disclose any supplements you’re taking with your healthcare provider. Though there are no known side effects of excess biotin, there are other significant concerns with biotin supplements. Signs of biotin deficiency include hair loss and a scaly, red rash around the mouth, eyes, and nose (3, 4). Working more biotin into your system (whether through supplements or diet) is generally safe. In some rare cases, too much biotin from supplements can cause stomach issues, trouble sleeping and skin rashes.
Is Biotin Safe for Kidneys?
The opinions expressed on third-party sites do not reflect the views and opinions of XYON’s medical writers, physicians or the company. “Inflammation interferes with signaling molecules that control the biological clock of the hair growth cycle, pushing follicles into the resting phase, telogen,” Peralta says. Zeichner agrees and stresses the importance of collaborating with other medical professionals to address that gap in nutritional and alternative medicine training. In the world of beauty supplements, biotin is treated as the magic fix—like the beauty equivalent of restarting your phone.
However, an overdose of biotin may cause insomnia, excessive thirst, and urination (13). Antiepileptics are commonly used to treat seizure disorders, nerve pain, and bipolar disorder. Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A, commonly used to treat acne, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions (11). We’ve given you a general guideline for how long you should wait to see results on biotin. But the truth is that the exact amount of time you can expect biotin to work will depend on several different factors.
They are taken alone or combined with other vitamins for healthy skin, nails, and hair. Finally, if you’re applying hair growth serum in the evening, consider your skin type—since certain ingredients, such as oils, can potentially rub off onto your pillow and be transferred to skin. “For sensitive or acne-prone skin, either frequent pillowcase changes or wearing a hair bonnet after serum application may be helpful,” she says.
Some studies suggest vitamin E may promote hair health by protecting hair follicle cells against oxidative damage. Biotin is unlikely to cause adverse side effects, even in high doses. However, keep in mind that dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United States. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. "Anecdotally, I've had a few patients report that taking biotin caused an acne flare," says Colaco. Online beauty communities on platforms like Reddit have discussed anecdotal correlations between taking biotin supplements and breakouts.
Anyone who is considering taking biotin supplements should first check with a doctor. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist. Samolitis breaks down one condition, telogen effluvium, which causes you to lose more hair than normal, but typically it remedies itself. You may take a biotin supplement to help with regrowth or length and attribute any growth to the biotin, when it may have nothing to do with the growth.
Specific vitamins and nutrients can help boost the hair growth cycle and support optimum growth. Herein, with the help of experts, you’ll get the lowdown on biotin for hair growth and what you need to know before investing your time and money in biotin-based supplements to treat thinning. Without further ado, keep scrolling to read more about what biotin is, how it interacts in the body, potential side effects, and more.