Analytical Interference of Biotin
January 2020
TLDR Taking too much biotin can mess up blood test results, which might lead to wrong diagnoses and treatments.
Biotin, or vitamin H, played a crucial role in various metabolic processes and was commonly used in cosmetic products for hair, skin, and nails. While the recommended daily dose was 30 micrograms, therapeutic doses for conditions like multiple sclerosis ranged from 100 to 300 milligrams, which could be teratogenic. High serum biotin concentrations interfered with immunochemical tests, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses and treatments. To avoid such errors, it was advised to stop biotin intake a few days before laboratory testing.
