Biotin
Why is Biotin Important?
Like so many of the vitamins and minerals, Biotin is also critical for many pathways in our body to do with:
-
Carbohydrate metabolism - converting glucose into energy
-
Fat Metabolism - Break down and Synthesises Fatty Acids
-
Protein Metabolism - using the building blocks of amino acids to build protein.
​
It is also important for Hair, Skins and Nail Health.
This is mainly because it supports the following:
-
Keratin infrastructure (Composition of hair, skin and nails)
-
Nail strength
-
Integrity of hair
Biotin also is involved in the synthesis of Myelin. Myelin is an important insulator around the nerves allowing transmission down a nerve for both cognition and neurological processes.
​
Gene expression and normal DNA stability also use Biotin.
​
Please note: Oral Biotin is sufficient for the vast majority of people, and there are no clinical studies suggesting intravenous biotin is superior.
​
Important considerations
High Dose Biotin, either oral or intravenous can interfere with blood tests used for:
Thyroid function
Cardiac troponin
cancer markers eg. for breast, prostate, ovarian
​
Biotin should be with held 2-3 days before pathology.
​
Ironically with high dose supplements, absorption can be limited and variable, and with low doses, such as normal dietary, 90-100% can be absorbed.
​
With intravenous Biotin, there is 100% bioavailability and does not depend on Gut health.
​
Biotin also known as B7 is a water soluble vitamin. No major toxicities of Biotin have been reported.
Research
Unlike pharmaceutical agents, there is no requirement for rigid clinical trials of vitamins and minerals and Biotin is no exception. Mostly when there is no evidence of effect of these substances it is based on the absence of clinical trials. Therefore most of the research may be looking through several trials.
​
Biotin deficiency is rare in our modern world. However Biotin deficiency can occur secondary to raw egg consumption. a protein in the egg white can bind to Biotin as a cofactor and making it inactive.
​
Some drugs such as ISOTRETINOIN has been linked to biotin deficiency, in addition to alcoholism and pregnancy. Other reasons for poor biotin absorption particularly oral intake of biotin is impaired intestinal absorption or prolonged use of antibiotics. Studies have shown some improvement of hair and nail growth on supplementation in patients with established biotin deficiency. However there is an absence of randomised controlled trials to prove efficacy in normal health individuals. [1]
Some studies have suggested that it may be useful in combination with topical medicals such as minoxidil for alopecia [2]
There have been some smaller randomised control trials which have shown thin creased hair density in patients with thinning hair after 6 months. However it should be noted that the author was funded by a nutrition company. [3]
1. Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Aug;3(3):166-169. doi: 10.1159/000462981. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28879195; PMCID: PMC5582478.
2. Valeentim, F., Miola, A., Miot H., Schmitt., Efficacy of 5% topical minoxidil versus 5mg oral biotin versus topical minoxidil and oral biotin on hair growth in men; randomised crossover clinical trial.
3. Biggers M., A randomised, placebo- controlled clinical study evaluating a dietary supplement for Hair Growth, J Clin Aesthetic Dermatology.2024;179110:34-38, https://jcadonline.com/a-randomized-placebo-controlled-clinical-study-evaluating-a-dietary-supplement-for-hair-growth/
Vitamin infusions involve the intravenous administration of vitamins and minerals under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.
The information provided on this website is general in nature and for educational purposes only. It is not intended to advertise, promote, or imply therapeutic benefit, and does not constitute medical advice.
Vitamin infusions:
-
Are not a substitute for a balanced diet or medical treatment
-
May not be suitable for everyone
-
Require an individual clinical assessment prior to administration
-
Carry potential risks and side effects, which will be discussed during consultation
The suitability, potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of any infusion can only be determined during a consultation with a qualified health practitioner, based on individual circumstances.