What is Biotin?
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a B vitamin that helps the body use fats, carbohydrates and protein.
What it does for skin
For people who are not deficient, the NIH fact sheet says hair, nail and skin benefits are supported, at best, by a few case reports and small studies.
What the research shows
The NIH says future studies are needed to determine whether biotin improves hair, nail and skin health, especially among healthy people.
Very high biotin intakes may interfere with diagnostic tests that use biotin-streptavidin technology, producing falsely normal or abnormal results.
Forms, amounts and limits
The NIH adequate intake for adults is 30 mcg a day for both men and women.
The NIH says no tolerable upper limit has been set, because there is no evidence in humans that biotin is toxic at high intakes.
Safety
Tell your doctor and lab if you take biotin before blood tests, and follow their advice on stopping it before testing.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medicines.
Questions
Does biotin grow hair?
The NIH fact sheet says evidence in people who are not deficient is weak: at best a few case reports and small studies.
Does biotin affect lab results?
Yes. Very high intakes can interfere with tests that use biotin-streptavidin technology. Tell your clinician.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Vanu Health does not sell this supplement. Read our terms.