Is the Biotin Trend Over?

If you look in your medicine cabinet, do you have a bottle of biotin supplements? Have you been taking them religiously or have they drifted their way into the forgotten back corner?

It seemed like for years, biotin supplements were all the rage for helping people grow their hair and fight hair loss. But it seems as though the hype has died down a bit with other supplements being recommended for hair improvements.

Keep reading to learn more about what biotin may or may not be doing for your hair

What is Biotin?

Biotin is a B vitamin also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. It is considered an essential vitamin that your body needs to function properly. You can find it in foods such as oats, bananas, and eggs; the vitamin helps break down carbs, proteins, and fats and convert them into energy.

How Much Biotin Do You Need?

The National Institutes of Health recommend a biotin intake of 20 to 30 micrograms (mcg) per day for adults and teenagers. That is significantly lower than the high dosages of some popular biotin supplements.

Your body will not store or process any extra micrograms of biotin. In fact, your body will release it through your urine.

While high biotin is not considered toxic, it can interfere with some medications. Make sure to disclose biotin supplement usage to your doctor when being prescribed new medications.

Will Biotin Help Your Hair Grow?

Biotin supplements were created for those who suffer from a biotin deficiency. Signs of such deficiency are brittle nails, hair loss, and red, scaly rashes. So it makes sense that biotin would be promoted has a hair growth supplement.

However, biotin deficiency is rare in the U.S.; therefore, those same symptoms can usually be linked to another health issue such as an iron deficiency or a thyroid condition.

It appears that that the evidence of biotin alone promoting hair growth is weak and limited. However, there is a slightly stronger case for biotin helping to prevent hair loss, though many may argue that case is equally as weak.

If you are experiencing hair loss, there is a chance it is linked to other nutritional deficiencies such as iron, zinc, or even protein. Speak with a doctor about getting tested and consider replacing your biotin supplements with other vitamins.