Biotin

January 2019 in “ Elsevier eBooks ”

Amitava Dasgupta

biotin biotin deficiency brittle nail syndrome uncombable hair syndrome hair loss valproate-induced hair loss

Studysummary This review discusses biotin's role in nutrition and suggests no benefit to supplementing it for hair, nails, and skin in healthy individuals; it reports preliminary findings that high dosages may help some multiple sclerosis patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Rethinking Biotin Therapy for Hair, Nail, and Skin Disorders

57 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review critiques the unwarranted promotion of biotin for hair and nail improvements, noting the lack of evidence for routine use and highlighting concerning trends in consumer and physician practices.

research A Case Report of Biotin Treatment for Valproate-Induced Hair Loss

5 citations , August 2017 in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry”

In this letter, excessive hair loss due to telogen effluvium was observed as a distressing side effect in the early months of valproate treatment, potentially linked to disruption in biotin metabolism, although the exact mechanism remains unclear.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of biotin for hair and nail growth, noting clinical improvement in cases with existing pathologies, but concludes there is insufficient evidence supporting its benefits for healthy individuals.

research Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss

71 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that 38% of women with hair loss had a biotin deficiency, suggesting oral biotin supplementation should be based on confirmed biotin deficiency rather than as a general treatment.

research Serum Drug Level-Related Sodium Valproate-Induced Hair Loss

17 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Pharmacology”

This case report highlights an interest in exploring the relationship between serum levels of sodium valproate and hair loss, though no case reports currently establish this link.

research Familial Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Ultrastructural Hair Study and Response to Biotin

49 citations , April 2007 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This study describes a family with uncombable hair syndrome, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance, and reports that oral biotin improved hair appearance in two young patients.

research Hair Loss in Psychopharmacology

63 citations , March 2000 in “Annals of clinical psychiatry”

This article reviews the association between psychopharmaceuticals and medication-induced alopecia, noting that hair regrowth typically occurs after discontinuing or reducing the medication, while mineral supplements' effectiveness remains unclear.

research Proliferation and Differentiation of Cultured Human Follicular Keratinocytes Are Not Influenced by Biotin

22 citations , January 1996 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

research Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Observations on Response to Biotin and Occurrence in Siblings with Ectodermal Dysplasia

101 citations , July 1985 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral biotin improved hair growth, strength, and combability in a child with uncombable hair syndrome, while hair in two others slowly improved without biotin.