Biotin
January 2019
in “Elsevier eBooks”
TLDR Biotin supplements are unnecessary for most people but may help with certain conditions like biotin deficiency, brittle nails, and some hair loss.
The document from 2019 reviews the role of biotin in various health conditions and its use as a supplement. It notes that while the average daily intake of biotin is sufficient in Western populations, supplements are popular for promoting hair, skin, and nail health, despite a lack of evidence for their efficacy in individuals without a deficiency. Biotin may be beneficial for those with biotin deficiency, brittle nail syndrome, or uncombable hair syndrome, and one study found that 189 out of 503 women with hair loss had biotin deficiency. High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with certain lab tests. Biotin has shown potential benefits for glucose control in type 2 diabetes, lipid profile improvement, and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but more research is needed. In one case, a patient with valproate-induced hair loss saw complete regrowth after taking biotin, and another study showed improved nail thickness with biotin supplementation. Biotin is generally safe, but its supplementation is only necessary for those with a deficiency or specific medical conditions.
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Cited in this study
research Rethinking biotin therapy for hair, nail, and skin disorders
Biotin supplements are not proven to improve hair or nails and may interfere with medical tests.
research A Case Report of Biotin Treatment for Valproate-Induced Hair Loss
Biotin may effectively treat hair loss caused by valproate medication.
research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss
Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.
research Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss
Biotin deficiency is not a major cause of hair loss in women, so biotin supplements are not likely to be an effective hair loss treatment.
research Serum drug level-related sodium valproate-induced hair loss
High levels of the seizure medication sodium valproate can cause hair loss.
research Hair Loss in Psychopharmacology
Some psychiatric medications can cause hair loss, but it usually grows back after adjusting the medication.