As for the name, ‘biotin’ it sounds a bit scientific, doesn’t it? Well, it actually stems from the ancient Greek word, ‘biotos’ which means ‘life’ or ‘sustenance.’ B vitamins, especially biotin, are widely recognised as going hand-in-hand with keeping our eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy. Meanwhile, biotin specificallyis considered as being crucial during pregnancy because it plays an important role in embryonic growth. Biotin is responsible for: At the start and end of the study, digital images were taken of the affected areas on the scalp. Each participant’s hair was also washed and any shed hairs were counted. Researchers found that women who took an MPS experienced a significant amount of hair growth in the areas affected by hair loss and less shedding. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin of the vitamin B family, also known as vitamin B7 or H. Your body needs it to process nutrients into energy and maintain a healthy nervous system. It also plays an important role in healthy hair, skin, and nails. Hair loss, brittle nails, and rashes are signs of biotin deficiency, which can occur due to genetics, poor diet, alcoholism, or pregnancy. Biotin is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in treating or preventing low levels of biotin. Low levels of biotin can be caused by malnutrition, rapid weight loss, long-term tube feeding, and other medical conditions.

Great product! Very tasty and I look forward to them every morning. I feel so much more energised and my hair is shinier.”Most people can get enough biotin by eating a balanced diet as it’s contained in such a wide range of foods. 14 However, particular medications, like antibiotics, or digestive conditions such as colitis, can prevent your body absorbing nutrients efficiently. These people could consider taking a supplement. 15 Should children take a biotin supplement? Biotin is available in dietary supplements containing biotin only, in supplements containing combinations of B-complex vitamins, and in some multivitamin/mineral products [ 16]. The absorption rate of oral, free biotin is 100%, even when people consume pharmacologic doses of up to 20 mg/day biotin [ 17]. Biotin Intakes and Status Said HM, Redha R, Nylander W. Biotin transport in the human intestine: inhibition by anticonvulsant drugs. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;49:127-31. [ PubMed abstract] Elston MS, Sehgal S, Du Toit S, Yarndley T, Conaglen JV. Factitious Graves' disease due to biotin immunoassay interference‒acase and review of the literature. J Clin EndocrinolMetab 2016;101:3251-5. [ PubMed abstract]

Aldahmash BA, et al. (2015). Biotin ameliorationof nephrotoxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. DOI: Barbesino G. Misdiagnosis of Graves' disease with apparent severe hyperthyroidism in a patient taking biotin megadoses. Thyroid 2016;26(6):860-3. View abstract. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsInstitute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.

Sharma A, Baumann NA, Shah P. Biotin-induced biochemical Graves disease: a teachable moment. JAMA Intern Med 2017;177:571-2. [ PubMed abstract] Biotin supplements have few side effects if you take them as directed. “Biotin supplements and B-complex vitamins are safe for most people, though they may cause a slightly upset stomach,” Barth says. Biotin supplements are most commonly used to promote healthy hair or nail growth. Some of the symptoms of biotin deficiency are hair loss, skin changes, and brittle nails ( 1). Biotin is found in some multivitamin/mineral supplements, in B-complex supplements, and in supplements containing only biotin. Am I getting enough biotin? Beyond biotin’s biological benefits also include maintenance of normal hair and skin. Again, studies are few and far between, so most of what you’ve read or heard about biotin online or in magazines will likely be from personal experiences. Nevertheless, our guide will tell you everything you need to know.Minkovsky A, Lee MN, Dowlatshahi M, et al. High-dose biotin treatment for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis may interfere with thyroid assays. AACE Clin Case Rep 2016;2(4):e370-e373. View abstract. Biotin may also be used in combination with other vitamins in adults and children as a dietary supplement. High-dose biotin supplements can also interfere with certain medical test results, so tell your healthcare provider if you’re taking them, advises Barth. Adults, including pregnant women, need 40mcg of biotin every day. Breast-feeding women need slightly more: 45mcg. 8 How much biotin do children need?

Kury S, Ramaekers V, Bezieau S, Wolf B. Clinical utility gene card for: Biotinidase deficiency-update 2015. Eur J Hum Genet 2016;24. [ PubMed abstract] Couloume L, Barbin L, Leray E, et al. High-dose biotin in progressive multiple sclerosis: A prospective study of 178 patients in routine clinical practice. Mult Scler. 2019:1352458519894713. View abstract. There are currently no known adverse side effects of biotin when taken as prescribed by a doctor or through normal dietary intake. Supports normal psychological function – with the help of other B vitamins, biotin can help maintain neurons in the brain.

Grundy WE, Freed M, Johnson H.C., et al. The effect of phthalylsulfathiazole (sulfathalidine) on the excretion of B-vitamins by normal adults. Arch Biochem. 1947 Nov;15:187-94. View abstract. Garbers LEFM, Miola AC, Dias PCR, Miot LDB, Miot HA, Schmitt JV. Efficacy of 2.5 mg oral biotin versus 5% topical minoxidil in increasing nail growth rate. Exp Dermatol. 2021 Mar 4. View abstract. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that happens to be part of the Vitamin B family, which is what we have to thank for helping our bodies turn food into energy. 1 SahinK, et al. (2013). Anti-diabeticactivity of chromium picolinate and biotin in rats with type 2 diabetes inducedby high-fat diet and streptozotocin. DOI: