Biotin improves the basic protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. This protein is called keratin. Biotin deficiency can cause dry skin, brittle nails and hair, as well as hair loss.
For many people, a Vitamin H deficiency can lead to significant problems with their skin’s inner health and outer appearance. Dry, itchy skin is one of the most common issues, although more serious conditions like acne and psoriasis can also arise. Keep in mind that if you don’t nourish your skin from the inside, resulting hormonal issues can result in serious skin problems on the outside. In most cases, a biotin supplement can correct the issue, improving skin and helping to create a youthful glow.
FAQ’s
There are currently no known adverse side effects of biotin, However, when taking these supplements, it’s important to keep the following potential effects in mind.
Could interfere with laboratory tests
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official safety communication informing medical providers and consumers of the possibility that biotin supplements could interfere with various lab tests and cause false results (15, 16Trusted Source).
Therefore, you should inform your medical provider if you’re taking these supplements prior to having blood work done.
Could interact with certain medications
Biotin supplements could interfere with how your liver processes certain medications.
Furthermore, some medications may lower biotin levels by increasing the breakdown of the vitamin in the body and reducing the amount absorbed in the intestines.
These include the following, as well as other anticonvulsant medications used to treat epilepsy (1Trusted Source):
- carbamazepine
- primidone
- phenytoin
- phenobarbital
May reduce the absorption of other nutrients
Your body uses the same pathway to absorb biotin as it does other nutrients, such as alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin B5. This means that taking these together may reduce the absorption of either (12Trusted Source).
Additionally, the protein avidin, which is found in raw egg whites, tends to bind with biotin in the small intestine, reducing the absorption of the vitamin. Thus, consuming two or more raw or undercooked egg whites each day could cause a biotin deficiency (17).
A biotin deficiency isn’t as common as other deficiencies. Few people eating a healthy, well-balanced diet will struggle to have enough biotin. That’s because many common foods contain large amounts of the vitamin naturally.
Still, a biotin deficiency can occur. If it does, these symptoms may develop:
- red rashes on the skin, especially the face
- dry or scaly skin
- dry eyes
- brittle hair
- hair loss
- fatigue
- insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- depression
- burning or prickling sensation in the hands and feet
- muscle pain
- changes in the intestinal tract (frequent upset stomach)
- cracking in the corners of the mouth
- seizures
- difficulty walking
