Biotin for Hair Growth: Side Effects, Dosage, and More

It is a water-soluble vitamin, is also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H and comes from the B vitamin family. Biotin is an essential vitamin in our body as it takes part in various metabolic processes help to utilize fat, amino acids and carbohydrates. The good thing about biotin is it is stable at room temperature, and cooking does not destroy its value. It is a water-soluble vitamin. So, It is not stored in our body. For that reason, you have to include biotin in your daily diet. Biotin converts some nutrients to energy in our bodies. It also plays an important role to maintain the health of skin, hair and nails. You may think, how can you use biotin for hair growth? Now it is the main question that lies here. This article focuses on giving you answers to all sorts of questions you have.

Primary biotin deficiency indicates that there is a small amount of biotin in the diet. Our diet usually consists of an adequate amount as there are plenty of resources. So, it's hard to face a biotin deficiency. According to Global Fortified Food Exchange, biotin deficiency is very rare that no country needs to fortify. However, subclinical deficiency may cause some mild symptoms like thinning hair, brittle fingernails, skin rashes, etc. Some people take biotin in their supplements in the hope that it may help to get some extra benefits. There is research that supports the increasing intake of biotin help in thickening and strengthening the hair. It also gives you back the precious shine of your hair that you had lost. 

The problems like hair loss and balding not only happen with males, it's a common problem for females too. Biotin improves Keratin's outside protein structure and plays a key role in getting voluminous hair.

In this article, we have provided you with some life-changing information, including what role biotin plays in enhancing hair growth, the sources, the recommended dose, and many more. So keep reading and enjoy your learning.

Biotin Deficiency and Metabolic Disorder

When a deficiency occurs due to the absence of the enzyme that helps to recycle biotin, it is called Biotinidase deficiency. A probable cause is an inherited genetic mutation. This kind of deficiency prevents biotin-dependent carboxylases to act properly causing the improper usage of biotin by the cells of your body. 

Causes of Hair Loss

Some common causes include:

1. Natural hormonal disbalance.
2. Hormonal disbalance for some drugs.
3. Genetic cause.
4. Anaemia.
5. Extreme dieting.
6. Thyroid problems.
7. Some vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
8. One of the main causes of our generation is stress. Many young people are having hair loss problems for stress. Stress triggers cortisol levels in our body which contribute to damaging hair follicles and creating inflammation.

In some cases, biotin intake cant help to regain hair growth. For example, in stress-related cases, biotin doesn't have any part to play. However, Patients with alopecia, an excessive hair fall-related condition, reported regaining hair growth.

Research on the Role of Biotin in Hair Growth

We can find a review where treatment took place on infants and young children who were having biotic deficiency for a genetic disorder. The result showed biotin supplements improved their hair growth. However, no controlled trials showed benefits for healthy individuals after biotin supplementation. Biotin helps to improve keratin structure. Keratin is the basic protein component that makes your hair, nails and skin. The availability of research on biotin efficiency for hair growth is scanty. We have very little information that supports the claim.

A board-certified dermatologist at Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Sandra Marchese Johnson (MD, FAAD), said science contradicts the thought that biotin works for hair growth. A study took place at Havard University. They claim that biotin is one of the vitamins that improve hair growth, strengthens hair, and preserve texture and function.

In the journal Skin Appendage Disorder, a review in 2017 showed that there is little evidence on how biotin helps in hair growth. A review of the use of biotin for hair loss, published in 2017 in the US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of health to review biotin efficiency. They found 18 cases who were given biotin supplements reported clinical benefits for hair growth. These patients had a record of poor hair and nail growth.

The National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements said the claim that biotin helps in hair growth is supported by very little evidence. We need more researches to recommend biotin for such cases. An article from the Cleveland Clinic in 2019 claimed that some doctors believed in biotin and were prescribing it in their prescriptions for hair loss problems. 

Daily Dose

As we discussed before, biotin deficiency is very rare. The Food and Drug Administration does not recommend the daily amount to consume. It varies based on sex, age and health. Anyway, experts recommended daily intake in the Western population between 35 – 100 mcg. 

Women who are pregnant may require more amount to intake. In that case, it is suggested to consult your doctor and determine the daily intake amount for safety.

Sources of Biotin

Sources are plenty. You just need to choose from a variety. Here from the table, you can easily get access to the sources.

Biotin Supplements

Various biotin supplements are available on the market. When you think your diet is not giving you sufficient biotin, you can take biotin supplements. Food and Drug administration control consumable supplements. You should always check the contents of a product before buying. Only purchase from trustworthy suppliers.

Not everyone can use supplements as they desire. You should consult with your doctor before opting for a biotin supplement. Some side effects like nausea, cramping and diarrhoea appear in some cases after taking supplements. One most important precaution that you can take to prevent any risk is to consume biotin supplements with food.

Side Effects and Risk

Biotin is water-soluble. When you take extra biotin, it just flushes out from your system. So, the chance to have any side effects from biotin is low. However, if you feel rashes on your skin, immediately check with a doctor. He can examine you and suggest the proper dosage for you. It is good to play in the safe zone. Isn't it? Whenever you think to add extra biotin supplement to your daily consumptions, see a doctor first and get a consultation. It will reduce any risk factors for you. It may happen that you are taking other medications and start to get side effects of biotin for the same reason. Only a doctor can guide you on your journey to have a healthy life.

The New England Journal Report in Medicine published a report on biotin usage. They tried biotin in their laboratory research and found biotin treatment is mimicking Graves' disease. Meaning, it's influencing the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid.

Our busy lifestyle sometimes creates a big wall between our healthy habits and daily chores. We sometimes do not even continue our hair care, and sometimes we even forget to have proper meals. To get benefits from biotin, you must be consistent with biotin intake. Biotin works slowly and makes us healthy from the inside. It generates new hair growth and gives volume to the hair. Some Researches show that increasing 2 – 5 mg biotin supply in our diet helps us to get healthy hair. 

You must be wondering how much time it will take to show the result, you are willingly waiting for. Lack of research clouded the answer. However, from a couple of available researches, we can say it takes almost 3months to show the results.

Intake biotin consistently in your diet. If you have any supplements, then take them as the doctor prescribed. If you are having biotin from food sources, you should eat biotin-rich sources regularly. Increasing biotin intake helps to accelerate its effect.

We hope that having consistency and taking biotin-rich foods or supplements regularly help you to get shiny, healthy and strong hair.

Causes Affecting Biotin Necessity

Various factors affect biotin levels in our bodies. Consumption of some drugs also demands an increase in biotin supply. Here are some other reasons: 

• Alcohol Use – Alcohol consumption daily affects plasma biotin, and we see a noticeable reduction. 
• Gastrectomy – Patients who have gastrectomy have a low level of biotin. 
• Pregnancy – In pregnancy, we find higher demand for biotin.
• Raw Egg White – If you eat raw egg white, it may cause biotin consumption problems. Uncooked eggs have ravidin, a protein that prevents your body to absorb biotin.
• Biotin production happens in the intestines of our body. Inflammatory bowel condition or other diseases creates an unstable condition for intestinal bacteria. If you are having such a condition, then it's tough for you to produce the required amount of biotin.
• Having some kinds of antibiotics cause low biotin symptoms.
• Smoking also affects biotin levels.

Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency

If you are having any of the symptoms mentioned below, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms may occur due to biotin deficiency.

• Thinning hair- If you suddenly find that your hair has started to thin and you are facing hair fall, then there is a possibility of biotin deficiency. Some other causes can result in hair fall. But if you are not a chronic patient and though facing a hair fall problem, then you may consider it is for the reduction of biotin levels in your body.
• Brittle nails – Biotin protects our nails also. When the biotin level reduces, you may suffer from brittle nails.
• If you find redness on the skin or rashes, especially around the mouth, eye and nose, you can consider biotin deficiency as one of the causes.
• Numbness in the arms and legs – Some people feel numbness in the arms as well as in the legs also. Biotin deficiency can cause you to experience such things.
• Depression – Depression is also connected with biotin deficiency.
• Exhaustion- Sometimes, you may feel exhausted. If it occurs to you continuously, then biotin deficiency can be connected to such an experience. 
• Hallucination – Hallucination or not seeing things properly is also one of the symptoms of biotin deficiency.
• Confusion or memory problems.

The Market is Flooding with many Biotin Brands....

If you ever contacted any hair care provider, then you may have witnessed the situation where they always suggest biotin supplements for you. Now, it's kind of searching a needle in a bush. The market is flooded with different brands, and they all offer the best biotin supplements. Here the situation becomes tough not only for you but for others too. Our confusion always leads us to research more and make a decision. Here you are going to have your answer.

Your preference will give you the answer. In the market, there are various kinds of biotin available. Choose a brand that is available in your locality, and people trust that brand. If you only need a biotin supplement, then take a 5mg packet. You can also try vegan biotin supplements if you are a vegan. If your criteria is to take a small amount, then take supplements of 3mg.

Another variation is biotin comes with other multivitamins. If you think you need other vitamins for your health and, at the same time, biotin for your hair, then you can use this variation. These kinds of multivitamins may aim to boost your whole vitamin B range in your body and help to promote hair growth, giving strength to the hair roots and solving problems from inside. 

When You Should See a Doctor

You should immediately go to a doctor if you find any abnormality in your body. Precaution is always better than cure. Here few situations are described related to hair loss, and you should consider seeing a doctor.

1. If you see you are suddenly facing excessive hair fall. It may be the cause of pregnancy underlying medical conditions like thyroid, menopause. It also can occur because of some medications.
2. Hair can stay permanently with you. If you are having this problem continuously, then it's time to get an appointment with a dermatologist. He can treat you can explain possible causes related to your health.

Best Biotin Supplements Available in India

Various brands started business in India by launching biotin supplements. Every company has their reasons of benefits to promote their products. They are effective. There are so many brands available in the market. We generally get confused while choosing out of too many options. The idea of the right brand is what is bothering you. Right? Continue reading this article and you will find your answer here.

There are some measures that you need to keep in mind before buying a supplementary biotin product.

1. Cost – Compare the cost and popularity of biotin products and decide what you can afford. It is not like expensive products have more quality than inexpensive ones. 
2. Effect – Try to make smart moves before choosing a brand. Read reviews that other customers give before buying a product. Reviews are a good way to know the effectiveness. 
3. Taste – Taste matters for your taste buds. So, before buying, consider its taste if you are that taste sensitive.

Power gummies are very popular nowadays. It tastes yummy, cost-friendly and its reviews also praise its effectiveness. So, if you want, you can try this brand. There are also other brands with good reviews. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does biotin work for hair loss?

Ans. The direct effect of biotin in hair growth is not proven by much research. However, patients who faced hair fall for some medications had a good result in hair growth after biotin supplementation. Having biotin in dietary supplements results in strong and shiny hair.

• What is biotin deficiency?

Ans. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, and resources are plenty. Although if you don't consume a sufficient amount of biotin, drink alcohol regularly, are pregnant, or have other medical issues, you can find biotin deficiency.

• What are the health benefits of biotin?

Ans. Biotin promotes hair growth, gives back the shine to your hair. Helps to repair brittle nails and makes skin healthy. It helps the function of the nervous system, regulates hormones, lowers cholesterol and maintains blood sugar.

• Will biotin supplements help in my hair growth?

Ans. Biotin helps to maintain the keratin structure of the hair. Biotin supplements help to get healthy and volumed hair. It helps to make your hair strong, voluminous and retain natural shine.

• Are biotin supplements safe?

Ans. Biotin supplements are safe if taken after consulting a doctor. Everyone's health condition is different. So, it's not a wise choice to follow one's biotin consumption rates. Intaking too much can cause an adverse effect. 

• How long does biotin take to work?

Ans. There is no proven review about this. But few studies claim that about 90 days after you can see effects. Biotin works from the inside and promotes new hair growth. You need to be consistent while taking biotin.

• Is it good to take supplements for hair loss?

Ans. Various reasons trigger hair loss. It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the root cause. After the diagnosis, the doctor will recommend your supplements with the required doses. 

Hair falls deeply affect people's self-esteem. The International Journal of Trichology published a study in 2019 manifesting androgenic alopecia put a stop to get a quality life to many men. It specifically lowers self-perception and interpersonal relations. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2018 states that they notice low self-confidence in the patients having androgenic alopecia. They even grow self-confidence after a hair transplant. Thanks to our progressive lifestyle and the development of medical science, so many treatments are available to treat hair loss.

The American Academy of Dermatology mentioned that the doctor will give you some blood tests to determine whether your body is getting sufficient nutrients for hair from foods you intake daily. If you are not getting the daily recommended level of nutrients, the doctor will prescribe you one to fulfil the deficiency. If you do not have any deficiency but have started to take supplements, it may cause trouble for you.

There are so many brands available in the market that brag about their hair products like shampoo, conditioner, serum etc. They claim that these products are very effective for hair loss as they contain biotin. There is no solid evidence that supports such claims. Do not go away with such claims and invest out of the blue. Marketing of brands always focuses on making lucrative demands and getting into your brain. So, don't make a fool of yourself and think rationally.

What are you waiting for? The sooner, the better. If you are having a problem for a long time and thinking of a solution, then it's the right time to make a move. You have come to know enough about your hair problems and the role biotin plays. We hope now you can make the good decision you were waiting for.