Millions of people use biotin for hair growth, and many are unaware of this dangerous side effect

biotin for hair and nails — Everything you need to know about biotin for hair growth Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography – Getty Images

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If you’ve gone down the rabbit hole of all things hair growth hair lossChances are you’ve also seen many claims that certain ingredients can help stop or even reverse this process (folic acid, rosemary oil, rice waterjust to name a few).

But perhaps one of the most talked about ingredients is biotin, a vitamin that your body produces naturally, but which you can also find in hair growth supplements, shampoos for hair loss and thinning hairAnd oils for hair growth.

Given the rumor that this is a gold standard ingredient for hair growth, you might be tempted to click “add to cart” on the first product you see if you’ve noticed changes in your hair such as dryness, brittleness and excess hair. breakage. But is biotin in all its forms really worth all the hype?

To find out, we spoke to top dermatologists to break down everything there is to know about what biotin is, how it works, and whether or not it’s the first thing you should aim for if you want to be healthier and better. trying to get her nourished. Read on for all the details.

Meet the experts: Dendy EngelmanMD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. Carmen CastileMD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology.

What is biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a vitamin that our bodies need to make the proteins responsible for supporting the health of hair, nails and skin. Although we produce it naturally, our bodies may not produce enough of it to support these processes. Therefore, it is essential to get some of it in your diet (biotin is found in foods such as egg yolks, almonds, sunflower seeds, bananas, avocados, etc.). and lean meat).

“A small amount of biotin can be produced by intestinal bacteria,” says a board-certified dermatologist Carmen CastileMD., “but we mainly get it from our diet.” Since we all need biotin for the reasons mentioned above, there are plenty of supplements aimed at hair and nail growth that contain biotin as an ingredient. Should you take them with you? “Biotin supplementation is not necessary unless you have a diagnosed deficiency or your doctor advises you to supplement with biotin,” says Dr. Castile. “And because the vitamin is so prevalent in the Western diet, a biotin deficiency is extremely rare.”

Those who don’t have a biotin deficiency can obviously still benefit from it, but if you’re using it in hopes of seeing improvement in your hair or nails, the results won’t be as noticeable as for someone who is deficient. .

What are the signs of a biotin deficiency?

If you suspect you may have a biotin deficiency, here are some of the most common symptoms worth looking out for, according to a board-certified dermatologist Dendy EngelmanMD.

Changes in the hair: You may become thinner, hair lossbrittleness or dryness.
Changes in the skin: This often looks like noticeably dry, flaky, or scaly skin, especially around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Changes in nails: You may notice that your nails become more brittle or softer than normal. You may also suffer from splitting.
Neurological changes: For many, this can look like low energy or mood swings.

Dr. Castilla notes that some conditions may also be linked to issues surrounding biotin. For example, a deficiency of holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) would make it harder for the body to attach biotin to other enzymes that need it, the researchers said. National Library of Medicine. This defect is normally discovered within the first few months of life and is associated with symptoms such as seizures, weak muscles, hair loss, breathing problems and vision loss.

Two other possible culprits that Dr. Commonly diagnosed in newborns include biotinidase deficiency (BTD) and phenylketonuria (PKU). The first makes it difficult for the body to reuse biotin. The latter is a genetic condition that affects the way the body breaks down certain amino acids, causing those affected to change their diet, which can lead to a biotin deficiency. Yet these conditions are rare. “Pregnant patients, people with alcohol dependence, and patients taking long-term anticonvulsants are more likely to have a mild biotin deficiency,” explains Dr. Castile out.

Do biotin supplements actually work for hair growth?

Again, for those who do not have a diagnosed biotin deficiency, there is not enough evidence to support that biotin is the most effective method to correct this. hair growth. Overall, biotin “can improve the structural integrity of keratin in the hair shaft, which can reduce breakage,” says Dr. Engelman. “Although it does not directly stimulate hair follicles, it can provide the nutrients needed to grow.” Furthermore, Dr. Castilla notes that you will only see results from a hair growth treatment after three to six months of consistent use.

Are there side effects of taking biotin supplements?

It is extremely difficult to overdose on biotin because whatever the body does not use is released through the urine. Still, some people may experience cramps, nausea, acne, and an allergic reaction that results in an allergic reaction rashper Cleveland Clinic.

An important note: Too much biotin can also cause “incorrect results on certain lab tests that look at thyroid levels and blood markers that can help diagnose heart attacks,” says Dr. Castillo. “For example, you may be told you have a thyroid condition when you don’t, or your heart attack blood tests may be falsely low, potentially missing the diagnosis of your heart attack.” If your provider has directed you to take a specific amount of biotin, stick to the recommended amount.

What to look for when buying biotin supplements

There are many products on the market that boast of having biotin in their formulas, but how do you know which ones are worth it? “Biotin is most effective with oral supplementation, as external use appears to be less effective,” says Dr. Engelman. She adds that you want to look for key ingredients like keratin, collagen, amino acids, hyaluronic acidvitamin E and niacinamide (B3), which can support hair, nails and skin.

She is a big fan of the NOW solutions, hair, skin and nails capsules with cynatine. “Cynatin is derived from sheep’s wool and therefore contains the same amino acid profile as humans need and is a bioavailable, stable and clinically proven form of natural keratin peptides,” she says. Other green flags include third-party testing and GMP compliance to ensure the purity of the supplements.

While biotin and biotin supplements may seem like the most promising route to addressing hair loss and hair growth, it’s not the best solution for everyone. If you are experiencing dryness, fracture and/or brittleness, make an appointment with your doctor, who can help you consider your options.

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