Hair Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy and Effect of Biotin Supplements

The study involved 156 female patients who had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and explored the incidence of hair loss and the impact of Biotin supplementation. Hair loss was reported by 72% of patients, typically starting 3-4 months post-surgery and lasting for about 5.5 months, with no cases of permanent alopecia. Biotin supplementation at 1000 mcg/day for 3 months was given to patients with Biotin deficiency, with 23% reporting a significant reduction in hair loss, while 38% of 29 non-deficient patients who self-administered Biotin reported a significant reduction. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of Biotin on hair loss between the two groups (P=.2). The study concluded that hair loss after LSG is common and Biotin supplementation is generally ineffective in preventing it. Additionally, the study warns against high-dose Biotin supplements due to potential interference with laboratory tests, which could lead to misdiagnosis.