BIOTIN
Biotin for Hair Growth: Does It Work?
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI on April 6, 2017 — Written by Tess Catlett
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s a part of the vitamin B family. It’s also known as vitamin H. Your body needs biotin to help convert certain nutrients into energy. It also plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
If you aren’t getting enough biotin, you may experience hair loss or a scaly red rash. However, a deficiency is rare. In most cases, the biotin you get from your diet is enough for you to reap the health benefits it offers.
Still, many people are increasing their intake in hopes of additional benefits. Keratin is a basic protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. It’s clear that biotin improves your body’s keratin infrastructure. But beyond that, researchers aren’t really sure what biotin’s role in hair or skincare is.
Research on the effects of biotin on hair growth is sparse. To date, there’s only limited evidence to suggest that increased biotin intake may help promote hair growth.
For example, in one 2015 study, women with thinning hair were given an oral marine protein supplement (MPS) containing biotin or a placebo pill twice per day for 90 days. At the beginning and end of the study, digital images were taken of the affected areas on the scalp. Each participant’s hair was also washed and any shed hairs were counted. The researcher found that women who took an MPS experienced a significant amount of hair growth in the areas affected by hair loss. They also had less shedding. A 2012 study by the same researcher produced similar results. Participants perceived improvement in hair growth and quality after 90 and 180 days.
Biotin deficiency is rare, so the U. S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t offer a recommended dietary allowance (RDA). RDAs can vary based on a person’s age, sex, and overall health.
Instead, experts recommended the following dosage guidelines. Anyone aged 10 or older should get between 30 and 100 mcg per day. Infants and children should get:
- birth to 3 years: 10 to 20 micrograms (mcg)
- 4 to 6 years: 25 mcg
- 7 to 10 years: 30 mcg
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need higher levels of biotin.
Talk with your doctor about the right daily intake for you. They can provide guidance on how to safely increase your dosage to provide the maximum benefits. You can fulfill your recommended biotin allowance through your diet or by taking a biotin supplement.
Most people can take biotin supplements without any adverse effects, but minor side effects are possible. These include:
- nausea
- cramping
- diarrhea
You may be able to reduce your risk of side effects by taking your supplement with food. Supplements aren’t for everyone, so talk with your doctor before use. They can talk to you about the potential risks and benefits, as well as the proper dosage. You should always follow the dosage information on the label unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, so any extra biotin in your body will flush out through your urine. This makes a potential overdose unlikely. If you develop an unusual or unexpected skin rash after increasing your biotin intake, see your doctor. In rare cases, this is a sign of biotin overdose.
Your doctor will check for the following to confirm an overdose:
- low vitamin C levels
- low vitamin B-6 levels
- high blood sugar levels
- decline in insulin production
If your doctor confirms that you’re getting too much biotin, they will reduce your recommended dosage.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, biotin may assist in regrowth. There’s some research to suggest that increased biotin intake can improve overall hair quality, including thickness and shine.
You may already be getting the biotin you need through your diet, so talk with your doctor about the best option for you. They may recommend certain dietary changes or a biotin supplement. Be sure to follow any dosage guidelines that they provide.
If you begin having any unusual symptoms while taking a biotin supplement, discontinue use and see your doctor.
