Consumption of a Low-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet Exaggerates Biotin Deficiency in Mice

September 2013 in “ Nutrition ”

Masahiro Yuasa, Tomoyoshi Matsui, Saori Ando, Yoshie Ishii, Hiromi Sawamura, Shuhei Ebara, Toshiaki Watanabe

ketogenic diet biotin deficiency hair loss dermatitis biotin-dependent carboxylases biotin supplementation keto diet biotin

TLDR The ketogenic diet can worsen biotin deficiency, suggesting a need for biotin supplements.

This study evaluated the effects of the ketogenic diet on biotin status in male mice (N = 32) divided into four groups: control diet, biotin-deficient (BD) diet, ketogenic control diet, and ketogenic biotin-deficient (KBD) diet. After 9 weeks, only the KBD group exhibited typical biotin deficiency symptoms like hair loss and dermatitis. Both the KBD and BD groups showed significantly decreased levels of biotin-dependent carboxylases and total tissue biotin, with more severe changes in the KBD group. The findings indicated that the ketogenic diet increases biotin consumption and bioavailability, leading to exaggerated biotin deficiency in biotin-deficient mice, suggesting a need for biotin supplementation for those on the ketogenic diet.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Biotin Deficiency in an Infant Fed with Amino Acid Formula

43 citations, April 2005 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Biotin supplements improved skin and hair in a biotin-deficient infant on amino acid formula.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 16 results

community Carnitine Tartrate + Potassium chloride + Niacin

7 upvotes 10 years ago

The post discusses using Carnitine Tartrate, Potassium Chloride, and Niacin to reduce hair shedding, with the user experiencing significant improvement. The user also suggests considering a ketogenic/paleo diet for those with insulin resistance-related hair loss.

community How uninformed the general public is about hair loss

in Chat 318 upvotes 10 months ago

The conversation highlights the general public's lack of knowledge about hair loss, with various ineffective remedies suggested, such as not wearing hats or using hair fibers. The only effective treatments mentioned for male pattern baldness are medications like minoxidil and finasteride, and hair transplants.

community Here is a closer look at my 4 month results using Finasteride, derma roller and rosemary oil. (Will post again at month 6)

in Progress Pictures 329 upvotes 11 months ago

The user shared a 4-month progress update on hair regrowth using Finasteride, a derma roller, and rosemary oil, with plans to post again at 6 months. Some users are amazed by the results, while others have not seen improvements; the original poster uses 1mg Finasteride daily, derma rolls twice a week, and applies rosemary oil after rolling.

community Gonna start fin- will new keto diet and weight lifting be affected?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 6 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about someone starting finasteride (fin) and wondering if it will affect their new ketogenic diet and weightlifting routine, with the goal of not disrupting weight loss or muscle gain while regrowing hair.

community First Update in awhile: 8 Month Min/Fin/Keto

in Progress Pictures 1 year ago

8 months of progress using minoxidil, finasteride and a ketogenic diet to treat hair loss.

community Fin/Min/Keto/Microneedling Year before and after

in Progress Pictures 1 year ago

A year-long journey of treating hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, ketogenic diet, and microneedling, featuring before-and-after progress pictures.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Consumption of a Low-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet Exaggerates Biotin Deficiency in Mice

10 citations, September 2013 in “Nutrition”

The ketogenic diet can worsen biotin deficiency, suggesting a need for biotin supplements.