Use of biotin for hair loss prevention: Benefits, side effects, and dosage

Use of biotin to prevent hair loss and grow thick and shiny hairs

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in the conversion of food (protein, carbohydrates, and fat) into energy. It is also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H. It has a very important role in the health of hair, nails, and skin. Biotin is mostly advised for improving the hair’s quality by thickening and improving hair growth. A lack of biotin can result in hair thinning that’s why people take biotin supplements. Biotin supplements are available in pills and tablets, as well as biotin-enriched hair products. Whereas biotin can also be found in a variety of foods such as apple, egg yolks, milk, legumes, whole grains, carrots, nuts, tomato, white mushrooms, spinach, oats, and wheat germ.

How much biotin for hair growth per day?

Biotin does not have a recommended dietary allowance published by the FDA. Those who favor its use, however, frequently recommend taking 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) of biotin supplement daily to strengthen hair. Although biotin is a water-soluble vitamin (excess is eliminated in urine and feces), the safety of supplements with any amount of biotin is uncertain.
The daily recommended dosage is 30 mg. On the other hand, taking biotin pills on your own is not advised unless prescribed by your doctor.
For oral administration (capsules or tablets):
To avoid biotin deficiency, the daily recommended intake should be as follows-

• Adults and teenagers should consume 30 to 100 mg each day.
• 30 mg per day for children above 7 years
• 25 mg per day for children aged 4 to 6.
• Children aged 0 to 3 years: 10 to 20 mg each day.

Biotin supplements

The majority of biotin comes from the meals you eat and it does not last long in the body. So people prefer taking biotin supplements as add ons. Various studies have found that biotin supplements may help to accelerate hair regrowth in a person with clinical biotin deficiency or alopecia (hair loss disorder). However, researchers point out that hair regrowth is frequently caused by a variety of factors that may not be related to biotin supplements. Biotin supplements may be beneficial in cases of acquired and inherited biotin deficiency, as well as diseases such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support that biotin supplements help in dealing with hair issues among healthy individuals.

Biotin for hair benefits

There are various hair benefits of Biotin use such as-

• It increases the keratin production in hairs: As we all know that hair, skin, and nails are made up of keratin (a kind of protein). Biotin helps in the building up of keratin production in the body.
• Enhances growth: Biotin also speeds up follicle growth which results in quick and healthy hair growth.
• Increase density: The regular use of biotin is responsible for adding volume to the hairs. It strengthens the hair by thickening the hair quality.
• Biotin adds luster and shine to the hairs: The shine reflects through the flat outer layer of hair cuticles. Therefore the use of biotin enhances the hair quality in a way the hairs become shiny.
• Avoids Diseases: Biotin prevents various health problems such as dandruff, hair loss, and scalp itchiness, etc.

Biotin Before and After images in both Men(R) and Women(L)

Biotin for hair loss: How long to see results?

Despite limited research, studies suggest that improvements could be visible in as short as 90 days. This includes increased growth and radiance in the hair quality. It is also believed that the longer you ingest a bigger amount, the better the outcomes. However, these changes are normally seen with people who are already suffering from other diseases. In such cases, the supplements work effectively.

Side-effects of Biotin

With the use of biotin supplements, some medical problems can adversely affect the human body. One who smokes often may have a degraded metabolism of biotin in their systems which results in its deficiency. Consuming raw eggs, particularly egg whites can also lead to a biotin deficiency. In a few cases, the shortage of biotin results in a syndrome known as biotin-responsive limb weakness. This syndrome is similar to quadriplegia (paralysis from neck to lower body). If you use too many biotin supplements, you may experience the following side effects-

• Hair loss
• Hair thinning
• High levels of cholesterol
• Dry scaly skin
• Cracked lips
• Painful tongue
• Dry eyes 
• Loss of appetite
• Weariness/Tiredness
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Skin rashes
• Heart issues
• Kidney problems
• Insulin release

Read | How to stop premature greying of hair?-Know its causes, home remedies and FAQS

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