Biotin is a coenzyme and a B vitamin; many people take biotin for hair growth results. Biotin is part of an
enzyme that allows the body to break down substances like fats and carbohydrates. As a supplement, biotin maintains
the health of skin, nerves, digestive system, cells and metabolism. Biotin has also been linked to aiding in
treatment for nerve pathology and type two diabetes. While you can find biotin in foods such as wheat germ,
whole-grain cereal, Swiss chard and salmon, it is usually poorly absorbed by the body and does not cause the
positive results seen through supplements.
Taking a biotin supplement is safe and it has been found to be a supplement without side effects. Biotin
supplements have not been found to cause any problems in children or older adults who take the normal recommended
dosage. Dosages vary from person to person; those taking biotin for hair growth results may not need as high of a
dosage as someone taking the supplement to aid their diabetes. The Institute of Medicine has a chart for
recommended intake of biotin.
Biotin: Recommended Intake
 0-6 months, 5 micrograms/day
7-12 months, 6 mcg/day
1-3 years, 8 mcg/day
4-8 years, 12 mcg/day
9-13 years, 20 mcg/day
14-18 years, 25 mcg/day
19 years and up, 30 mcg/day
Pregnant women, 30 mcg/day
Breastfeeding women, 35
mcg/day
A biotin deficiency can be hard to spot, as there is no lab test that will help doctors determine the
condition. Often times, the symptoms of a lack of biotin must be present in order for a doctor to recommend a
biotin supplement. People take biotin for hair growth results after doctors notice the loss of pigmentation in
hair. Doctors may also observe a persistent rash around the patient’s eyes and noses and recommend a biotin
supplement.
The appropriate dose of biotin is determined by a number of issues. The patient’s age, health and whether
they have any other medical issues contribute to the dose a doctor will recommend. Pregnant women are often advised
to take biotin for hair growth results as well as to offset any chance of a deficiency that could cause birth
defects. Pregnant women are advised to choose a general prenatal vitamin that already contains biotin, rather than
taking a separate supplement, so that they do not take a higher dosage than is necessary. The University of
Michigan notes that nearly 50% of women have a biotin deficiency while pregnant so it is important for women to
talk about symptoms with their doctors.
Whether a patient is taking biotin for hair growth results or to aid another condition, a patient should
be sure to ask their doctor how high a dose they should be taking. Although biotin supplements are available
without a prescription, people should be informed of what they are putting into their system. Biotin supplements
have no known side effects and is safe, but as with any vitamin or supplement be sure to get medical advice before
taking biotin if you are taking other medications or while pregnant.
webmd.com
mayoclinic.com
 Notice the Difference Between Biotin
Hair Growth Before and After
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