Biotin Supplements

• Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin that is necessary for several functions within the human body. This eMedTV article provides a complete overview of biotin, including information on how it works, its beneficial uses, dosing information, and possible side effects.

• Does Biotin Work?

Biotin may be effective at treating high cholesterol, diabetes, and hair and nail health. This eMedTV Web page addresses the question, "Does biotin work?" This page also explains the research that has been done on the effectiveness of biotin.

• Biotin Safety

Biotin may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This article from the eMedTV library takes an in-depth look at other biotin safety concerns and explains what you should discuss with your doctor before using biotin supplements.

• Benefits of Biotin

As this eMedTV segment explains, some people may use biotin supplements to help with several health conditions, such as high cholesterol, depression, and hair loss. This Web page describes other biotin benefits, as well as its use in children.

• Biotin Side Effects

Biotin does not appear to cause side effects for most people (even when taken at high dosages). This eMedTV page takes a look at possible biotin side effects and describes the problems that occurred when high biotin doses were given to pregnant rats.

• Biotin and Hair Growth

Biotin is often claimed to be useful for stimulating hair growth and treating hair loss. This page from the eMedTV site explores the effectiveness of using biotin for hair growth and discusses the link between biotin deficiencies and hair loss.

• Biotin Dosage

This eMedTV page explains that there are some biotin dosing guidelines, but the best biotin dose will vary, depending on several factors. This page provides Adequate Intake (AI) guidelines for biotin dosing and offers some tips on taking this vitamin.

• Biotin Drug Interactions

This selection of the eMedTV Web site explains that although there are no known biotin drug interactions, some medications may lead to a biotin deficiency. This page explains how antibiotics and some seizure medications may cause this deficiency.

• Biotin and Pregnancy

There is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that pregnant women need to take a biotin supplement. This eMedTV page offers more information on biotin and pregnancy, explaining how pregnant women may be at risk for biotin deficiencies.

• Biotin and Breastfeeding

This eMedTV page explains that although women who are breastfeeding need a higher daily intake of biotin, supplementation in not typically needed. This page also provides the Institute of Medicine's recommendations regarding biotin and breastfeeding.

• Biotin Overdose

As this eMedTV resource explains, a biotin overdose is not likely to cause any serious problems. However, you should still seek immediate medical attention if you think you have overdosed on biotin. This page also describes possible treatment options.