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Overview: Biotin is a B vitamin used to increase the levels of biotin in the body. Some people also take biotin to improve the health of their hair, nails, and skin, although the benefits of biotin for these uses are not well defined. Biotin is usually well tolerated, but taking biotin can cause incorrect results on many blood tests. Before taking biotin, tell your health care provider about all your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using. If you need blood tests, make sure your health care provider knows that you are taking biotin.

Uses

What is biotin used for?

Biotin, a B vitamin, is commonly used to help prevent or manage low biotin levels from various causes.

Biotin is also sometimes used to improve the health of the skin, hair, and nails. But the benefits of biotin for these uses are not well defined.

Biotin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Biotin is also an ingredient in some multivitamins and B-complex vitamins.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed biotin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does biotin work (mechanism of action)?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a type of B vitamin. Your body uses biotin for many important functions, including making chemicals in your cells, signaling between cells, and regulating your genes.

In the U.S., most people get enough biotin from their diet. It is found in eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and some vegetables. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of biotin is 30 micrograms (mcg), or 0.3 milligrams (mg). Many dietary supplements provide 1-5 mg of biotin, which is much higher than what the body needs to function.

Some people take biotin to improve the health of their skin, hair, and nails. But it is unclear whether or how biotin might work for these uses.

How should I store biotin?

You should store biotin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of biotin?

Biotin seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of biotin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of biotin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of biotin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Biotin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking biotin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use biotin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take biotin.

  • Biotin
  • Vitamin B7
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific biotin products they stock.

What should I know about biotin before using it?

Biotin is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep biotin out of the reach of children.

Taking biotin can cause incorrect results on many blood tests. This risk is highest for people who take at least 5 mg of biotin every day. Tell your health care provider if you are taking biotin. You may need to stop taking biotin for a certain period of time before your blood test.

If you are using a liquid biotin supplement, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using biotin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if biotin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • A rare condition known as biotinidase deficiency
  • Drink large amounts of alcohol

Upcoming Blood Tests. Taking biotin can cause incorrect results on many blood tests. Tell your health care provider if you are taking biotin. You may need to stop taking biotin for a certain period before your blood tests.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Biotin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking biotin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take biotin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Biotin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take biotin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does biotin interact with foods or drinks?

Raw egg whites contain a protein that can bind to biotin, preventing your body from absorbing it. You should avoid eating raw egg whites while you are taking biotin. But cooked egg whites are not a concern. Cooking breaks down this protein, so it does not bind to biotin.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect biotin, but drinking large amounts of alcohol may lower the levels of biotin in your body. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does biotin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, long-term antibiotics and some medicines for seizures may lower biotin levels in your body. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with biotin. Always check with your health care provider.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much biotin?

If you or someone else has used too much biotin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of biotin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.