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.
Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.
Research has shown that biotin actually does little to promote healthy hair and nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, has virtually no influence over hair growth or follicle health. Unless you're suffering from a biotin deficiency, biotin supplements are basically a waste of money.
Recommended dosage
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a daily recommended dietary allowance for biotin. However, according to estimates, an intake of 30 micrograms (mcg) may be adequate. The average intake of biotin in Western countries, excluding the United States, is an estimated 35–70 mcg per day.
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.
Strengthens and thickens: Biotin "is well known for its positive effects on hair including growing stronger thicker strands," says Friese. Protects: Because biotin strengthens hair, it is less likely to break off at the ends, promoting and protecting length, explains Friese.
While biotin is added to some shampoos that claim to reduce hair loss, there is no evidence that this works. Consuming foods rich in healthy vitamins and minerals will help with overall hair health. The best natural sources of biotin are meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.
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.
Does biotin cause weight gain? No, there is no evidence to suggest taking biotin supplements can lead to weight gain. In fact, biotin is sometimes touted as a weight-loss supplement. However, there is no research to confirm biotin has any effect on weight.
Instead of making your skin flawless, an overdose of biotin can lead to skin rashes. 5. It can also lead to problems with insulin release and interfere with the functioning of your liver.
When taken by mouth: Biotin is likely safe for most people when taken in doses up to 300 mg daily for up to 6 months. But it is more commonly used in lower doses of 2.5 mg daily. When applied to the skin: Biotin is likely safe for most people when applied in cosmetic products that contain up to 0.6% biotin.
“No studies have proven that biotin supplements will change the appearance of your hair, skin or nails,” Barth says. “But some people find that taking a biotin supplement helps them boost hair and nail growth. It's usually not harmful to try biotin for thicker hair or healthier nails.”
But for strengthening hair, a minimum dose of at least 2000 mcg is often advised. To encourage faster hair and nail growth, some supplements are available with 10,000 mcg biotin. Mayo Clinic states that 10,000 mcg is a safe dose, as no adverse side effects have been noted to date.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
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.
Biotin supplements and acne
Currently, there is minimal evidence that taking biotin supplements causes acne. The logic behind such claims has more to do with pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, than with biotin.
Along with boosting metabolism, biotin can also aid in weight loss. Essentially, consuming or ingesting biotin elevates your resting rate of metabolism. As this vitamin increases your metabolism, it can help accelerate weight loss, especially when paired with chromium.
Vitamins and supplements can have a negative effect on some medications and medical conditions. There are currently no known adverse side effects of biotin when taken as prescribed by a doctor or through normal dietary intake.
No toxicity of excess biotin intake has been described. “It is a B vitamin, so it is difficult to overdose on it—most people will urinate out what they do not need,” says Johnson. “With that said, I suggest not taking more than the daily recommended dose of 30-100 mcg per day for an adult.”
What is the best biotin dosage for hair growth? The OZiva Plant-Based Biotin 10000 is the best biotin tablet for hair growth.
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.
The National Institutes of Health recommends a biotin dose of 20 to 30 micrograms (mcg) per day for teenagers and adults to prevent biotin deficiency. Biotin is taken from the foods we eat by the microflora of the large intestine.