Biotin Dosage

Although most people receive sufficient biotin through dietary means, some people who have certain health conditions may need to use biotin supplements. The International Institute of Medicine has provided Adequate Intake (AI) guidelines for biotin dosages. However, because there is little information available about the safest and most effective biotin dosage, it is probably a good idea to follow the instructions on the label of your particular biotin product.

 

An Introduction to Biotin Dosage

The recommended biotin dose can vary, depending on several factors. Women who are breastfeeding need a higher intake of biotin, and higher biotin doses are sometimes recommended for people who have specific medical conditions.
 

Biotin Dietary Reference Intakes

For many nutrients, the International Institute of Medicine provides Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) guidelines. However, if there is not enough information to determine RDA and UL guidelines, only general guidelines, called Adequate Intake (AI) guidelines, are provided. For biotin, only Adequate Intake guidelines are available. Refer to the following table for AI guidelines for biotin:
 
Age
Biotin Adequate Intake
Infants (0 to 6 months)
5 mcg per day
Infants (7 to 12 months)
6 mcg per day
1-3 years
8 mcg per day
4-8 years
12 mcg per day
9-13 years
20 mcg per day
14-18 years
25 mcg per day
19 years and older
30 mcg per day
Pregnant women
30 mcg per day
Breastfeeding women
35 mcg per day
 
Most people are able to meet their requirement for biotin through food. However, a higher intake of biotin 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 Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;