What are the uses of Biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements?

From the Guidelines

Biotin supplements should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with confirmed deficiencies or specific health goals, with typical doses ranging from 30-100 micrograms daily for general health and up to 2,500-5,000 micrograms daily for hair, skin, and nail health, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1.

Key Considerations

• Biotin deficiency can lead to severe health issues, including neurological problems and skin conditions, as highlighted in a study on biotinidase deficiency 1.
• The recommended daily intake of biotin varies, but most adults require 30-100 micrograms per day, with some studies suggesting higher doses may be necessary for specific conditions 1.
• High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with laboratory tests, such as thyroid function and cardiac troponin tests, leading to false results 1.

Dosage and Administration

• For enteral nutrition, at least 30 mg of biotin per day should be provided in 1500 kcal, as recommended by the ESPEN micronutrient guideline 1.
• In parenteral nutrition, vitamin additives should provide 60 mg biotin per day, according to the ESPEN guideline 1.
• The ESPEN micronutrient guideline also provides recommendations for the provision of biotin in various nutritional regimens, including enteral and parenteral nutrition 1.

Special Considerations

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, should consult with a healthcare provider before starting biotin supplements, as their requirements may be different 1.
• Biotin supplements can be beneficial for hair, skin, and nail health, but results may take 3-6 months to become noticeable, and high doses may be required 1.

From the Research

Biotin Use Supplements

• Biotin has gained popularity for its claimed benefits on healthy hair and nail growth, but there is limited research to support its utility in healthy individuals 2.
• Biotin supplementation may be beneficial in cases of acquired and inherited causes of biotin deficiency, as well as pathologies such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair 2.
• Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as an essential coenzyme for five carboxylases in mammals, and its deficiency can cause symptoms such as hair loss, dermatitis, and mental retardation 3.
• Micronutrients, including biotin, play an important role in normal hair follicle development and immune cell function, and deficiency of these micronutrients may represent a modifiable risk factor associated with the development, prevention, and treatment of alopecia 4.
• Low-dose biotin supplements (<300μg/day) may not have significant clinical consequences in patients with hypothyroidism, but larger, well-designed trials are required to further evaluate this phenomenon 5.

Potential Benefits and Risks

• Biotin supplementation may improve hair and nail growth in individuals with underlying pathologies or deficiencies 2, 3.
• However, there is limited evidence to support the use of biotin supplements in healthy individuals, and more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety 2, 4.
• Biotin supplements may interfere with thyroid hormone measurements, but the clinical significance of this phenomenon is unclear 5.

Research Gaps

• More studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of biotin supplements in healthy individuals and those with various medical conditions 2, 4, 5.
• Further research is required to understand the role of biotin in hair and nail growth, as well as its potential interactions with other nutrients and medications 3, 4.