Biotin and Hair Growth

People with a biotin deficiency may be able to use biotin for hair growth. However, most cases of hair loss are not actually caused by biotin deficiencies. Although the effectiveness of biotin for hair growth has not been established, it may be worth a try since the vitamin is relatively safe.

 

Can Biotin Be Used for Hair Growth?

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin. It is sometimes known as vitamin H. Biotin is often claimed to be useful for stimulating hair growth or for treating hair loss. However, there is little scientific evidence to support such claims.
 

Biotin and Hair Loss: Scientific Evidence

It is true that a biotin deficiency can cause hair loss (known medically as alopecia) and that treating a biotin deficiency can help restore normal hair growth. However, biotin deficiencies are quite rare. The body needs only a tiny amount of biotin, and many foods contain biotin. Also, the intestinal flora (the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract) produce biotin that the body can use, and biotin is "recycled" in the human body.
 
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that biotin can treat hair loss or stimulate hair growth in people with normal biotin levels.
 

Is a Biotin Deficiency Causing My Hair Loss?

If you have a biotin deficiency, biotin could help to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth. However, most cases of hair loss are not caused by biotin deficiencies. It is unlikely that hair loss would be the only symptom of a biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiencies usually cause other symptoms as well, such as:
 
  • Red, scaly facial rash
  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Hallucinations
  • Unusual sensations (such as pricking or burning) of the hands or feet.
     
Most people may be able to meet their biotin requirement through food. Higher intakes may be recommended in certain situations, such as:
 
  • Biotinidase deficiency (a genetic disorder)
  • Chronic use of certain seizure medications or antibiotics (see Biotin Drug Interactions)
  • Consumption of large quantities of raw egg whites (which contain a substance that causes biotin depletion)
  • Kidney dialysis
  • IV feedings (known as total parenteral nutrition or TPN) that do not contain biotin.
     
(Biotin and Hair Growth Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;