Biotin - Facts and Hopes

Biotin, known since the 1930s, is essential for several enzymes and its deficiency can lead to hair loss, nail brittleness, and other health issues, although deficiency is very rare. Suboptimal biotin levels are sometimes found in pregnant women, those with inflammatory bowel disease, and alcoholics. There is limited evidence that biotin supplementation improves skin, hair, and nails, mainly observed in deficient individuals. High doses of biotin have been studied for potential benefits in multiple sclerosis patients, with early promising results, but later trials showed little effect on disability, though some reported reduced pain. High doses (300 mg per day) are well-tolerated but can interfere with certain lab tests, necessitating a 48-hour discontinuation before blood sampling for accurate results.