Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.
Most of the websites touting biotin for hair growth recommend taking 2-5 milligrams (2,000-5,000 mcg) of biotin in supplement form each day, and many supplements are sold under the name Biotin 5000, indicating a 5000 mcg (5 mg) size.
The bottom line. There's no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency. Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.
It takes months to see results on biotin. According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (source), biotin takes around 90 days to begin to work. Contrary to some of the claims you may have heard, biotin is not an overnight remedy that will magically give you 5 inches of hair growth in 24 hours.
No side effects have been reported for biotin in amounts up to 10 milligrams a day. However, check with your health care professional if you notice any unusual effects while you are taking it.
Can biotin be harmful? Biotin has not been shown to cause any harm. However, supplements that contain biotin above recommended amounts may cause false results in some lab tests, including those that measure levels of certain hormones, like thyroid hormone.
Hair grows from a root at the bottom of a follicle under your skin. The blood in your scalp goes to the follicle and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the hair root, which helps your hair grow. As your hair grows, it will push through your skin and pass by an oil gland.
Minoxidil (Rogaine).
Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth.
Biotin supplements can cause problems if you take too much. Side effects can include skin rashes, digestive upset, problems with insulin release, and kidney problems. As with any supplement, the safety of long-term or high-dose use isn't known.
Takeaway. Your body makes enough biotin on its own through your dietary intake each day. Therefore, you shouldn't take biotin supplements unless directed by your doctor. There are some rare health conditions that can cause some people to need biotin supplements on a regular basis.
Mayo Clinic states that 10,000 mcg is a safe dose, as no adverse side effects have been noted to date. Reassuringly, even “mega doses” of 300,000 mcg found no side effects in neurological research.
“We find biotin to be very helpful for hair disorders,” says dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD. “It also makes nails thicker, and oral biotin is exceedingly safe, even in large doses.” It's primarily used for alopecia, the medical word for hair loss in men or women.
What is the best biotin dosage for hair growth? The OZiva Plant-Based Biotin 10000 is the best biotin tablet for hair growth.
After you stop using biotin, your nails will likely return to their original condition within 6 to 9 months. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
The best time to take biotin is in the morning, with a full glass of water. Biotin is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after your last meal. You should aim to take biotin at the same time each day to stay on track.
Can't Take Too Much. Because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, your body does not store the excess that builds up in your system. This means if you take more biotin than you need via supplementation, your body will likely release the extra biotin in your urine.
Thinning hair can grow back depending on what caused it to thin in the first place. Individuals who experience thinning hair due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, and other non-genetic reasons could experience regrowth. If you're experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, it's best to consult your doctor.
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