What is biotin?
Also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, biotin is widely being marketed as a solution for hair loss. It is this marketing message that is often misunderstood, and it should be made clear that scientific evidence to prove that biotin is in fact a solution for hair loss is lacking. Many people take biotin supplements, either on their own or in conjunction with medical advice. However, taking too much biotin is not advised since it can lead to negative effects. One of the main functions of biotin is to help in the production of a protein called keratin, and it is this protein that promotes strong nails, radiant skin and healthy hair.
What is the daily requirement of biotin?
The recommended intake of biotin for adults is 30 micrograms per day.
What are the natural sources of biotin?
People cannot synthesise biotin, however, it is produced by intestinal bacteria. Common sources of biotin include fruit, meat, fish, eggs, nuts and diary products.
What are the symptoms of biotin deficiency?
The most common symptoms neuromuscular dysfunction, loss of hair due to a condition called alopecia, brittle nails, and it causes irritation and dryness of the skin.
How safe is biotin?
Risks of using biotin inadvertently
- Elevated serum levels can interact with various blood tests which are done on a regular basis leading to misdiagnosis, needless workups, severe consequences include heart attack or myocardial infarction being missed out)
- Many blood tests rely on biotin causing to false positive & false negative tests results.
Does biotin supplement really work?
The medical literature does not support the use of biotin for the growth of skin, hair, or nails, however there is an exception for people who are biotin deficient.
Is biotin deficiency seen very commonly?
Biotin deficiency is not very common. This is because a nutritious daily diet is enough to provide the necessary requirement of 30 micrograms per day. Individuals with alcoholism, who eat raw eggs, pregnant ladies and people who consume a few medicines like phenytoin, anticoagulants, isotretinoin and long-term antibiotic use are possible causes for a biotin deficiency.
Why is biotin so famous?
There is a tremendous amount of social media hype and market promotion claiming its efficacy for improving hair quantity and quality.
Does biotin help in hair growth?
There are no clinical trials done to support the primary claim of biotin helping with hair growth. Biotin supplements are useful only when a person has a biotin deficiency.
Are biotin gummies healthy?
Biotin gummies are made of sugar and biotin, both of which may not be healthy. An added factor here is that the dose of biotin in such gummies is also incorrect. So it is best to speak to a dermatologist and stop believing in misleading marketing strategies.
Conclusion
The suggestion here is to have yourself assessed for hair loss by a knowledgeable dermatologist at the Venkat Skin Center before beginning your treatment for your issue with hair loss.
About The Venkat Center
Venkat Center for Hair, Skin & Plastic Surgery (formerly known as Venkat Charmalaya) is a state-of-the-art center for advanced care in hair transplant, dermatology, liposuction, and plastic surgery in Bangalore, India.
You can visit www.venkatcenter.com for more information on treatment options and to know more about the doctors at our centers.
You can do a video consultation or visit our clinic for more info regarding hair transplant surgery or other cosmetic treatments. Contact us on mobile at +91 7022101689 or drop us an email to [email protected]
