Biotin (vitamin B7) is an essential nutrient found in a variety of foods that plays a role in several complex bodily processes.
Biotin
*image for illustrative purpose only
Biotin
*image for illustrative purpose only
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient for humans. It plays a role in gene regulation, cell signaling (how cells “talk” to one another), and epigenetic modifications (changes in gene expression).
Biotin is found in many foods, including meat (especially organ meats), eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables.
Signs of biotin deficiency include rash, hair loss, and brittle nails, and biotin supplements are often advertised as promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails. However, biotin deficiency is rare — especially in healthy people eating a balanced diet — and there is limited evidence that biotin supplements improve hair, skin, or nails in those who are not deficient.
Biotin is not approved as a drug in the United States
Biotin is not a drug; it is a dietary supplement
There is no evidence in humans that biotin is toxic at high intakes. Several studies have found no adverse effects of 10–50 mg/day of biotin, and up to 200 mg/day of oral biotin or 20 mg/day of intravenous (IV) biotin in patients with biotinidase deficiency do not produce symptoms of toxicity
Supplementing with biotin beyond recommended intakes can cause clinically significant falsely high or falsely low laboratory test results, depending on the test. These incorrect results may lead to inappropriate patient management or misdiagnosis of a medical condition
The cost of biotin supplements may vary depending on factors such as the form of the supplement, quantity, brand, and where you buy it.
Biotin tablets, softgels, gummies, and liquids are available without a prescription from many pharmacies and online retailers. The average retail price of over-the-counter biotin is about $8 for 100 tablets, but coupons or discount cards may be available to reduce the price. Health insurance may cover all or some of the cost of biotin if your provider prescribes it to treat a specific condition or deficiency.
For a more convenient option, you can buy Biotin Builder Gummies through Hims for $16 per month plus shipping, which includes automatic refills shipped directly to you. These gummies deliver biotin as well as vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and folic acid to support healthy and strong hair, skin, and nails.
Biotin can interact with certain medications
Some medications, including anticonvulsants, can have an adverse effect on biotin levels
Very high intakes of biotin may interfere with diagnostic tests that use certain technology and are commonly used to measure levels of hormones (such as thyroid hormone) and other analytes such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D, producing falsely normal or abnormal results
Even a single dose of biotin has interfered with thyroid function tests administered within 24 hours of taking the supplement
Biotin supplements are not a hair loss treatment, and biotin cannot slow or stop male pattern baldness. However, a biotin deficiency can result in hair thinning or loss. This deficiency is rare, but in these cases, taking a biotin supplement may help support healthier hair.
The daily recommended amount of biotin for adults ages 19 and older is 30 micrograms (mcg), although it’s a bit higher for breastfeeding people (35 mcg). Most people can get the recommended amount of biotin by eating a variety of foods, including meat, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, and certain vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Most adults get enough biotin through their diet, but certain factors can put you at risk for a deficiency in this vitamin, including:
Chronic alcohol exposure
Eating raw egg whites over a long period of time
Having a rare genetic disorder called biotinidase deficiency
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Smoking
Taking anticonvulsant medications
Biotin has not been shown to be toxic, even in large doses. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it does not build up in the body; rather, excess amounts are excreted through the urine. However, high doses of biotin may interfere with the results of some blood tests, including those that measure certain hormone levels, including thyroid hormone.
*This information is from the biotin fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. See the full page for more complete information.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Guo EL, et al. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5315033/
Linus Pauling Institute: Oregon State University. (2023). Biotin. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/biotin
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Biotin: consumer. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Biotin: health professional fact sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
SingleCare. (n.d.). Biotin coupons and prices. https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/biotin