Daily OTC Pearl: Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

OTC/Lifestyle Pearl of the Day: Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Indication: Biotin (vitamin B7) is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, both in humans and in other organisms, primarily related to the use of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids.

Insight:

• Biotin (vitamin B7) is a vitamin found in foods such as eggs, milk, and bananas. Biotin deficiency can cause thinning of the hair and a rash on the face.
• There isn't a good test for detecting low biotin levels, so it's usually identified by its symptoms, which include thinning hair and a red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Biotin is used for biotin deficiency.
• It is also commonly used for hair loss, brittle nails, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
• Biotin supplements may interfere with some lab tests.
• There is no recommended daily allowance, but an adequate amount of biotin is thought to be 30 mcg a day. The National Institutes of Health has not established how much is too much, but it doesn’t seem to be toxic even in oral doses as high as 200,000 mcg a day.

Sources:

• BIOTIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (webmd.com)
• The Truth About Biotin - Health Benefits and Side Effects of Biotin (goodhousekeeping.com)