General Health

Biotin

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that forms part of the B vitamin complex. It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and helps convert food into energy. It's also important for healthy hair, skin, and nails.

How does Biotin work?

Biotin functions as a coenzyme in several metabolic processes. It is actively involved in fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis (production of glucose from non-carbohydrate compounds) and the metabolism of amino acids. By binding to carboxylase enzymes, biotin helps convert nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into usable energy by the body. It's also key to maintaining cellular health and supporting vital functions such as hair growth, skin regeneration and nail strengthening.

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Indications for Use

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is commonly used as a supplement to promote hair, skin, and nail health. Indications for use for biotin include:

  1. Dosage:
    • Recommended daily dosage: For adults, the standard dosage is usually between 2,500 and 10,000 mcg (micrograms) daily, depending on the product and the individual's needs.
    • Medical Consultations: It's important to consult a doctor before starting to take biotin, especially if you have a health condition or take other medications, as a high dose of biotin can interfere with some medical laboratory tests.
  2. Form of consumption:
    • Oral supplements: Biotin is usually taken in capsule or tablet form, but there are also liquid forms. Oral biotin is the most common for those looking to improve hair health.
    • Topical products: Some people choose shampoos, conditioners, or serums that contain biotin, although their topical effectiveness is less clear than when taken orally.
  3. Duration of use:
    • Results: It may take 3 to 6 months for visible results to appear. Biotin is not a quick fix and is most effective when taken on an ongoing basis.
  4. Precautions:
    • Side effects: Biotin is generally considered safe in recommended doses, but some people may experience allergic reactions, mild digestive problems, or acne at high doses.
    • Interaction with laboratory tests: Biotin can interfere with certain blood test results, such as thyroid and heart markers. It's important to let your doctor know if you're taking biotin before having a medical test.
  5. Effectiveness:
    • Deficiency hair loss: Biotin may be effective in treating hair loss in people who are deficient in this vitamin. However, in people without deficiencies, its effectiveness for hair growth is not fully supported by science.

Side Effects

Biotin, a vitamin B (B7), is popular as a supplement for healthy hair, skin and nails. However, despite its benefits, it can have some side effects when taken in high doses. These include:

  1. Digestive problems: It may cause nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea in some people.
  2. Skin rashes: Although rare, some people may experience skin rashes.
  3. Interference with laboratory tests: High doses of biotin can affect the results of certain laboratory tests, such as thyroid tests, hormones, or cardiac markers, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses.
  4. Acne: In some cases, overuse of biotin has been linked to acne breakouts, possibly due to an imbalance in other B vitamins.
  5. Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to biotin and develop symptoms such as swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Serious Side Effects

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a supplement commonly used to promote hair, skin, and nail health. It is generally considered safe, even at high doses. However, while serious side effects are rare, it's important to keep in mind the following:

  1. Interference with medical test results: One of the most serious risks of biotin is its ability to interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests, such as thyroid hormones, troponin (used to diagnose heart attacks), and other hormonal and metabolic tests. This can result in false positives or negatives, which could delay important medical diagnoses.
  2. Allergic reactions: Although extremely rare, some people may develop serious allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. In the event of an allergic reaction, immediate medical attention should be sought.
  3. Skin rashes: In some cases, high doses of biotin can cause skin rashes, although this effect is rare.
  4. Gastrointestinal problems: Some people may experience mild digestive side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain, especially with high doses.

Contraindications and Precautions

Contraindications:

  1. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to biotin or to any of the other ingredients in supplements. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include a rash, itching, or swelling.
  2. Interactions with medications: Biotin may interfere with certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, which may decrease their effectiveness. It can also alter the results of some laboratory tests, such as thyroid tests or hormone levels.
  3. Underlying diseases: People with autoimmune diseases or skin problems should consult a doctor before taking biotin, as there could be unexpected side effects or worsen the condition.

Precautions:

  1. Excess biotin: Although it is difficult to overdose, since it is a water-soluble vitamin, large doses can cause alterations in laboratory tests or interfere with the metabolism of other nutrients.
  2. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Although biotin hasn't been proven to be harmful, it's important to consult with a doctor before taking any supplement while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  3. Evaluating the cause of hair loss: It is important that hair loss be evaluated by a professional to rule out other underlying causes, such as nutritional deficiencies or hormonal problems, that may require a different treatment.

Interactions with Other Medications

Interactions with other medications include:

  1. Anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone):
    • These medications can lower levels of biotin in the body, as they accelerate its metabolism and elimination, which could reduce the effectiveness of biotin if used for hair loss.
  2. Antibiotics:
    • Long-term use of antibiotics can reduce the number of gut bacteria that produce biotin, decreasing natural levels of this vitamin.
  3. Acne medications (such as isotretinoin):
    • Some acne medications that alter sebum production may decrease biotin absorption or affect skin function, although direct interaction is not very common.
  4. Interferences in laboratory tests:
    • Biotin can interfere with certain laboratory tests, especially hormonal tests (such as thyroid tests), affecting results.

How to Take Biotin

  1. Recommended daily dosage: The most common doses for biotin range from 2,500 to 10,000 micrograms (mcg) per day to treat problems related to hair, skin, and nails. However, it is always advisable to start with a lower dose (2,500 mcg) and increase if necessary or as recommended by a doctor.
  2. Consistency: It is important to take the supplement at the same time every day so that the body processes it continuously. Biotin is water-soluble, so any unused excess will be eliminated from the body.
  3. With or without food: Biotin can be taken with or without food. However, if you have stomach sensitivity, it's best to take it with meals to avoid discomfort.
  4. Duration of treatment: The results are not immediate. Studies suggest that it may take 3 to 6 months of consistent use to see improvements in hair growth.
  5. See a doctor: Although biotin is generally safe, it's always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

Biotin, known as vitamin H, plays a crucial role in hair health, promoting hair growth and strengthening its structure. Its inclusion in the diet or through supplements may be beneficial for those who face hair loss. However, it's important to remember that while biotin can help, it's not a magic solution. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, so it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet and adequate hair care.