Customer question:
Can biotin have any side effects? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Biotin is generally well tolerated by humans and animals when taken or given in recommended doses. Because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine, reducing the risk of potential toxicity. However, high doses of biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests, leading to potentially inaccurate results. This includes thyroid function tests, troponin tests, and more.
Although biotin is often taken to improve skin, some people have also reported skin rashes as a side effect in rare cases. As with many supplements, some people may experience gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, cramping, or diarrhea. However, these effects are rare and, in most cases, unrelated to biotin.
There is some evidence to suggest that extremely high doses of biotin may affect levels of other B vitamins, but the clinical significance of this is still being investigated. Over-the-counter biotin supplements sometimes offer doses much higher than the recommended daily intake.
What is the recommended daily amount of biotin that we can consume for hair health?
The recommended daily amount of biotin may vary depending on age, gender, health, and other factors. Adequate intake levels for biotin established by the National Institutes of Health are as follows:
- Infants 0-6 months: 5 mcg (micrograms)
- Infants 7-12 months: 6 mcg
- Children 1-3 years: 8 mcg
- Children 4-8 years: 12 mcg
- Children 9-13 years: 20 mcg
- Adolescents 14-18 years: 25 mcg
- Adults 19 years and older: 30 mcg
- Pregnant women: 30 mcg
- Nursing women: 35 mcg
However, there is no separate established recommended dose of biotin specifically for hair health. The consensus among dermatologists and doctors is that unless a person is biotin deficient, consuming more biotin than the recommended daily amount will not necessarily improve hair health. Many over-the-counter hair supplements contain biotin in significantly higher amounts, sometimes several milligrams (mg) per dose, much higher than the RDA for routine health maintenance.
While biotin is water-soluble and excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine, there is no solid scientific evidence to suggest that super-high doses offer additional benefits to hair health in people who are not deficient. If someone suspects they have a biotin deficiency, which can manifest as hair loss or a scaly rash, it makes sense to see a doctor.
Can we consume too much biotin?
Yes, it is possible to consume too much biotin, especially when taking high-dose supplements. However, because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, the body usually excretes excess amounts in the urine, making the risk of toxicity relatively low compared to other nutrients. Signs and symptoms of biotin overdose may include and are not limited to insomnia, excessive thirst, and urination.
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