It's rare to be deficient in biotin. Symptoms include hair loss, dry scaly skin, cracking in the corners of the mouth (called cheilitis), swollen and painful tongue that is magenta in color (glossitis), dry eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
The signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency typically appear gradually and can include thinning hair with progression to loss of all hair on the body; scaly, red rash around body openings (eyes, nose, mouth, and perineum); conjunctivitis; ketolactic acidosis (which occurs when lactate production exceeds lactate ...
Other causes of biotin deficiency include prolonged treatment with anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, primidone, carbamazipine, phenobarbital, and valproic acid, as well as ingestion of high doses of lipoic acid, long-term use of antibiotics, excessive alcohol consumption, and habitual or regular consumption of raw egg ...
Egg yolk is a good source of biotin. A whole, cooked egg provides up to 10 mcg . To maximize the intake of biotin and for safety reasons, always cook eggs before eating them. Raw egg white contains a protein called dietary avidin, which binds to biotin and makes it harder for the body to absorb it.
Ask a doctor before using biotin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
Who is at risk for biotin deficiency? People with health conditions that impact how the body absorbs nutrients, or who are on certain medications, can be at risk of developing biotin deficiency. Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is the most common cause of biotin deficiency.
No side effects have been reported for biotin in amounts up to 10 milligrams a day.
But biotin has been shown to help with preventing balding and hair loss. In fact, biotin is primarily used for alopecia — a condition that causes hair loss in all sexes. “Biotin helps maintain hair growth and helps with inflammation,” Dr. Bergfeld says.
As there are a number of alleged side-effects mentioned in relation to extreme over consumption of biotin, it may well be that any hair loss is a result of the body being 'out of sorts' or adjusting to this new regime rather than as a direct result of the biotin itself.
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.
If a person has a biotin deficiency, taking biotin may improve the health of their skin. Otherwise, collagen can be a better option as there is more evidence to suggest it helps improve the skin's appearance.
Biotin has no effect on thyroid hormone levels or thyroid function in the body. However, biotin can interfere with the measurement of hormone levels in the laboratory, making them inaccurate. This is because biotin is added as a reagent during some of the laboratory methods.
Biotin and other B vitamins are water-soluble, so it's hard to overdose on them. “If you take in more biotin than you need, your body doesn't store it,” Barth explains. “You naturally get rid of excess biotin and other B vitamins when you urinate.”
How Fast Does Biotin Work For Hair Growth? Research pertaining to how quickly vitamins work in the body is limited, however, we have found that some begin to see and experience benefits approximately 30 days after you start taking biotin. It may take up to 90 days or longer for some individuals.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
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.
Sources of Biotin
Other foods that contain this vitamin are whole meal bread, salmon, pork, sardines, mushroom and cauliflower. Fruits that contain biotin include avocados, bananas and raspberries. In general, a healthy varied diet provides the body with sufficient amounts of biotin.
Apart from being a highly nutrient-dense fruit that is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, Vitamins B, copper, and potassium, Bananas are also a biotin-rich fruit. One banana contains approximately 0.2-0.4 micrograms of biotin or 1 percent of the daily value.
One serving of banana contains 0.2 micrograms of biotin. Apart from being a source of biotin, bananas are also essential sources of vitamin C, vitamin B6 and minerals such as magnesium, potassium and manganese.