Rethinking Biotin Therapy for Hair, Nail, and Skin Disorders

February 2018 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Shari R. Lipner

biotin vitamin B7 vitamin H alopecia dermatitis holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency biotinidase deficiency

From the encyclopedia

supplement to help with hair texture and quality

Studysummary This review critiques the unwarranted promotion of biotin for hair and nail improvements, noting the lack of evidence for routine use and highlighting concerning trends in consumer and physician practices.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discusses the role of biotin (vitamin B7 or H) in human metabolism and its importance in preventing neuromuscular dysfunction, alopecia, and dermatitis, as observed in biotin-deficient rats. Biotin deficiency in humans is rare but can result in similar symptoms. While biotin supplementation can be crucial for treating inherited metabolic disorders like holocarboxylase synthetase and biotinidase deficiencies, and high doses (300 mg/day) have shown benefits in reversing disabilities related to multiple sclerosis, there is no established daily allowance for biotin. The Institute of Medicine recommends 30 μg/day for adults, and typical Western diets provide an estimated 35-70 μg/day. The document highlights concerns about the widespread promotion and use of biotin for hair and nail improvement despite insufficient evidence to support its routine use and notes the FDA's warnings about the prevalence of biotin supplementation, which may not always be disclosed to physicians.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research The Infatuation With Biotin Supplementation: Is There Truth Behind Its Rising Popularity? A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy Versus Social Popularity

24 citations , May 2017 in “PubMed”

This review evaluates biotin's popularity and its purported benefits for hair improvement but finds no clinical evidence supporting its efficacy.

research A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

78 citations , January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of biotin for hair and nail growth, noting clinical improvement in cases with existing pathologies, but concludes there is insufficient evidence supporting its benefits for healthy individuals.

research Use of Vitamins and Minerals in the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia

9 citations , November 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This study found that a majority of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia believe in using vitamins and minerals to treat hair loss but emphasized the need for more research to confirm their effectiveness.

research Familial Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Ultrastructural Hair Study and Response to Biotin

49 citations , April 2007 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This study describes a family with uncombable hair syndrome, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance, and reports that oral biotin improved hair appearance in two young patients.

research Inborn Errors of Biotin Metabolism

55 citations , December 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This review discusses two genetic disorders affecting biotin metabolism, each resulting in distinctive skin and hair manifestations, and outlines the associated serious metabolic complications.

research Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Observations on Response to Biotin and Occurrence in Siblings with Ectodermal Dysplasia

101 citations , July 1985 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral biotin improved hair growth, strength, and combability in a child with uncombable hair syndrome, while hair in two others slowly improved without biotin.