Does Biotin Work? (Cont.)

 
Does Biotin Work for Nail or Hair Health?
One very small study showed that biotin supplementation might increase nail thickness in people who have brittle nails. While thin hair (often accompanied by a loss of hair color) is a symptom of a biotin deficiency, there is not enough reliable evidence to suggest that biotin can help with hair problems in people without a biotin deficiency (see Biotin and Hair Growth).
 
Does Biotin Work for Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is the common term for seborrheic dermatitis. Biotin does not appear to be helpful for cradle cap.
 
Does Biotin Work for Diabetes?
Early studies suggest that biotin (in combination with chromium) can help to lower blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes. However, it does not appear that biotin alone produces such effects.
 

Final Thoughts on Biotin Effectiveness

Biotin may be effective for a few uses (especially in the presence of a biotin deficiency), but more research is needed before it can be recommended for most uses (such as for high cholesterol). Before you use biotin (especially at high doses) for uses other than general supplementation, it is a good idea to first check with your healthcare provider.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;