Biotin (Vitamin B7) Supplement Uses, Benefits, Dosages & Side Effects

Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 and was previously referred to as and vitamin H or coenzyme R.

Like other B-complex vitamin members, biotin helps the body to produce energy from foods, maintain nervous system health, and break down fats and amino acids.

Biotin is also important for maintaining healthy nails, skin and hair. It is also necessary for healthy liver function. During pregnancy, biotin is crucial for embryonic development.

Although gut bacteria produce very small amounts of biotin, humans need more than what can be synthesized endogenously. A wide range of foods can provide this vitamin, but in some cases dietary supplement usage may be beneficial. [1][2]

This article reviews the role of biotin in the body, purported health benefits of consuming biotin dietary supplements as well as recommended daily intake amounts, safety, possible side effects, and possible interactions with health conditions, drugs, lab tests and foods.

Biotin

Vitamin B7

Skin Health

Hair & Nails

Energy

How It Works:

• Important for healthy hair, skin & nails
• Supports energy levels & metabolism
• Involved in fatty acid synthesis

Dosage:

Between 1,000 - 10,000 mcg per serving

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Biotin?

The scientific name of Biotin is hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno(3,4-d)imidazole-4-pentanoic acid. Its molecular formula is C10H16N2O3S. [3]

Biotin or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin made from the precursors alanine and pimeloyl-CoA.

According to PubChem, “Biotin … is composed of an ureido ring fused with a tetrahydrothiophene ring. A valeric acid substituent is attached to one of the carbon atoms of the tetrahydrothiophene ring.” [3]

Biotin is used not only to metabolize fatty acids, but also to manufacture them. It is an enzyme cofactor found in trace amounts in every cell; and is important for cell growth. [3]

Primarily bound to proteins, biotin occurs in highest concentrations in humans in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. [3]

Linus Pauling Institute (LPI) states that biotin was first discovered in 1927, but was not firmly established as a unique vitamin until forty years later. [1]

Uses for Biotin Supplements

According to Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), biotin dietary supplements are taken orally for: [2]

• Preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy;
• Seborrheic dermatitis of infancy;
• Multiple carboxylase deficiency;
• Long-term parenteral nutrition;
• Rapid weight loss;
• Malnutrition;
• Diabetes;

Biotin is also used orally for improving mild depression, brittle nails and hair loss. It is considered to be beneficial for strengthening hair and nails and is a common ingredient in cosmetic products for skin health. [2, 3]

The NMCD states that Biotin has also been used as a, “hair-conditioning agent at concentrations ranging from 0.0001% to 0.6% (19344).” [2]

LPI reports that Biotin is also used in the treatment of biotin-responsive basal ganglia disease. This is a generic or inherited disorder that affects the transport of thiamin in the body. Biotin is also being researched for its effects on functional disabilities in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. [1]

How does Biotin Work Inside the Body?

PubChem reports that biotin is essential for: [3]

• Numerous interrelationships with other nutrients;
• Dicarboxylic acid and carbonyl synthesis;
• Fatty acid, protein and purine synthesis;
• Adrenal and thyroid gland functioning;
• Reproductive system functioning;
• Nervous system functioning;
• Potassium metabolism;

According to LPI, having adequate biotin levels is essential for the normal development of the fetus. In animal studies, marginal biotin deficiencies during pregnancy have resulted in increase risk of congenital abnormalities.

Researchers are unsure what effect low biotin levels could have on human fetal development, but are currently investigating this. [1]

Biotin is involved in the Kreb’s cycle, which is the process that derives and releases energy from the foods we eat. It helps facilitate metabolic chemical conversions, and assists with transferring CO2 (carbon dioxide). [2]

Lipogenesis is the metabolic formation of fat tissue. PubChem defines gluconeogenesis as “metabolic pathway that results in the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids.” [3]

NMCD states that because biotin serves as a “covalently bound coenzyme for five carboxylases”, it is critical for the processes of lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis. [2]

Biotin is also critical for metabolizing amino acids including valine, isoleucine, methionine and threonine. It is also required to break down the side chain of cholesterol and odd-numbered fatty acids. [2]

NMCD states that biotin also helps the body to regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. It also is useful for maintaining a consistent blood glucose concentration. [2]

Biotin Health Benefits

NMCD rates natural medicines on their efficacies in specific health conditions, based unbiasedly on evidence from research. Natural medicines can be rated as effective, likely effective, possibly effective, possibly ineffective, likely ineffective or insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

NMCD rates biotin supplements as likely effective for preventing and treating biotin deficiency.

Biotin supplementation is rated possibly ineffective for improving seborrheic dermatitis during infancy.

For all other proposed uses for biotin, NMCD states there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate it at the present time. This means that more research need to be conducted to determine how effective this supplement is for these conditions.

Some of the conditions that biotin has been studied for include:

• Peripheral neuropathy;
• Alopecia areata;
• Brittle nails;
• Diabetes;

According to Examine.com, taking this vitamin as a dietary supplement may be beneficial in conditions that can result in a biotin deficiency, which include alcoholism, use of certain epilepsy drugs and excess consumption of raw egg whites

However, Examine states that there is not currently solid evidence for other benefits, except for its purported cosmetic and beauty benefits which still require more research. [4]

If you are considering using a biotin supplement to address a specific health problem, it is best to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner first to determine whether this product is appropriate for you.

Biotin Deficiency

Like other B-complex vitamins, biotin deficiency is rare in most in developed countries. [3]

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states that people receiving intravenous (parenteral) nutrition, for long periods of time, are more likely to develop a biotin deficiency than others. [5]

Other high-risk groups include people that have nutrient absorption problems because of conditions like Crohn’s disease and those who use antibiotics and/or antiseizure medications for long periods. [5]

PubChem reports that biotin deficiency initially presents with symptoms including: [3]

• Erythematous periorofacial macular rash;
• Hair loss or total alopecia;
• Seborrheic dermatitis;
• Fine and brittle hair;
• Fungal infections;
• Dry skin;

According to PubChem, “If left untreated, neurological symptoms can develop, including mild depression, which may progress to profound lassitude and, eventually, to somnolence; changes in mental status, generalized muscular pains (myalgias), hyperesthesias and paresthesias.” [3]

According to LPI, vitamin B7 deficiency in adults is characterized by the development of neurological symtpoms such as lethargy, depression, hallucinations, ataxia, seizures and numbness or tingling of the extremities. [1]

LPI states deficiency symptoms can also include visible signs such as a red, scaly rash around the mouth, nose, eyes and/or genitals. [1]

In infants, biotin deficiency can cause seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called “cradle cap”, which results in a flaky, scaly, red, itchy rash on the scalp area. [3]

During fetal development, rapidly-dividing cells require biotin for synthesis of essential carboxylases and histone biotinylation. Because of this, pregnant women may be at higher risk for deficiency than other women. [1]

Some research suggests that many women develop either marginal or subclinical deficiency during normal pregnancies. [1]

Some types of hepatic (liver) disease might decrease activity of an enzyme called biotinidase, which can increase the need for biotin supplements. [1]

PubChem states that the effective treatment for a deficiency is to use an oral biotin dietary supplement. [3]

Biotin Dosage

LPI reports the following Adequate Intake guidelines for biotin as set by Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine: [1]

• 5 micrograms (mcg) daily for infants from 0-6 months of age;
• 6 mcg/day for infants between 7-12 months;
• 8 mcg/day for children between 1-3 years;
• 12 mcg/day for children between 4-8 years;
• 20 mcg/day for children between 9-13 years;
• 25 mcg/day for those between 14-18 years;
• 30 mcg/day for those 19 and older;
• 30 mcg/day for all ages of women during pregnancy;
• 35 mcg/day for all women when breastfeeding infants;

NMCD states that the majority of people who eat diverse diets have no need to take a biotin supplement. It is found in many foods sources and deficiency is very rare. [2]

The authors of one study recommend taking a 30mcg biotin micronutrient supplement for all elderly individuals. [2]

In some human research, doses of 600 times the average daily dietary intake have been administered orally (by mouth), or intravenously (injected into blood vein), in healthy individuals. [2]

One study used daily 2.5 mg (not mcg) doses to treat brittle nails. [2]

Biotin has been injected daily in 150 mcg doses for reversing deficiency. [2]

For treating basal ganglia disease, 5-10 mg/kg (of bodyweight) or oral biotin has been used. [2]

Vitamin B7 has been used in doses of 6 mg/day, for 9 years, to treat holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency. [2]

NMCD states that there are no well-known standardization for biotin supplements. It is available in tablet form in 10 mcg, 50 mcg and 100 mcg doses. [2]

Biotin Food Sources

Biotin is found widely in a number of different foods. Some of the best sources, with their respective mcg amounts per serving, are: [1][6]

• Single 7-gram packet of yeast: 1.4-14 mcg;
• ¼-cup roasted sunflower seeds: 2.6 mcg;
• 3 oz canned-in-water pink salmon: 5mcg;
• ½-cup cooked sweet potato: 2.4 mcg;
• 3 oz canned-in-water tuna: 0.6 mcg;
• 1/2 -cup fresh, raw broccoli:0.4 mcg;
• 1 oz mild cheddar cheese: 0.4 mcg;
• 3 oz cooked beef liver: 30.8 mcg;
• 3 oz cooked hamburger: 3.8 mcg;
• ¼-cup roasted almonds:1.5 mcg;
• 3 oz cooked pork chop: 3.8 mcg;
• 1 whole cooked egg: 10-25 mcg;
• ½-cup boiled spinach: 0.5 mcg;
• 1 cup 2% bovine milk: 0.3 mcg;
• ½-cup banana: 0.2 mcg;
• ½-cup apple: 0.0 mcg;

Biotin Supplements

Biotin is included in numerous multivitamin formulations, vitamin B-complex supplements, and as individual supplements. UMM states, “Standard preparations are available in 10 mcg, 50 mcg, and 100 mcg tablets and contain either simple biotin or a complex with brewer’s yeast.” [5]

National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that 100% free biotin is absorbed in humans when ingested orally, “even when people consume pharmacologic doses of up to 20 mg/day.” [6]

NMCD reports that there are 6273 different dietary supplements available that contain biotin. Choose organic, non-GMO and certified-toxin-free supplements whenever possible. [2]

Light, atmosphere and heat degrade biotin and other B-complex vitamins. Store yours in dark containers in cool locations. Seal them tightly to keep the air out.

Biotin Safety and Side Effects

According to LPI, biotin is not toxic and is well tolerated in doses up to 5 mg per day. In one study of people with normal biotin metabolism, doses of 5 milligrams daily were used for two years without associated adverse effects.

In another study, oral supplements were given to individuals with hereditary disorders of biotin metabolism at doses of up to 200 mg per day. This is 7,000 times greater than the Adequate Intake dosage and was still not associated with negative effects. [1]

According to NMCD, biotin is rated likely safe when used orally and properly or when applied topically in cosmetic products in concentrations of 0.0001% to 0.6%. [2]

Biotin is rated possibly safe when used intramuscularly and appropriately. [2] Intramuscular injections should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor.

Biotin is rated possibly safe for proper oral use in children and in women during pregnancy and lactation. [2]

Biotin Interactions

This B-complex vitamin can interact with certain drugs, health conditions, laboratory tests and other nutrients. Some interactions may be harmless while others could have negative effects. [6]

Seek medical advice and use extra caution if taking biotin with anticonvulsant medications like carbamazepine (Tegretol®, Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®), primidone (Mysoline®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®), and phenobarbital (Luminal®, Solfoton®). [6]

Use of a high dose pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) supplement could interfere with biotin bioavailability in the body. Vitamin B5 competes with vitamin B7 for the same transporter pathways in the intestines and in cells.

Theoretically, using these supplements together could result in competitive inhibition of sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT), resulting in reduced uptake. [1, 2]

Other substances that might affect biotin levels include cytochrome P450 CYP1B1 substrates – including caffeine and theophylline. [2]

Various drugs can affect the function of this vitamin as well. It is best to discuss beginning to use supplements with a doctor if you take any prescription medications. [2]

Eating raw egg whites is associated with decreased biotin levels in the body. NIH states that raw egg white contains the protein avidin which can bind with biotin and prevent it from being absorbed from the gut.

This does not occur if consuming cooked egg whites. Cooking denatures the avidin protein, which makes it no longer interfere with the absorption of dietary biotin. [6]

Biotin supplements might affect results on lab tests for FT4 (free thyroxine), and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). [6]

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