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Biotin

Vitaminwater-solubleModerate dose evidence

Also known as: vitamin B7, vitamin H, D-biotin, coenzyme R

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Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as the cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes in fatty acid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism. NIH ODS reports that free biotin is absorbed essentially completely even at pharmacologic doses, that no UL exists because no toxicity has been found at 10 to 50 mg per day, and that evidence for hair and nail claims rests on case reports and small uncontrolled studies. It is a staple of hair, skin, and nails formulas and of multivitamins. High intakes interfere with common laboratory immunoassays, which every label should mention.

Research summary

Covalently bound prosthetic group for acetyl-CoA, propionyl-CoA, pyruvate, and methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylases; also involved in histone biotinylation.

Hair & nailsSkinGeneral health

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
30 mcg300–5,000 mcg50,000 mcg—

Doses are mcg D-biotin. Adequate Intake is 30 mcg/day for adults; DV 30 mcg. NIH ODS cites 2.5 mg/day in a small uncontrolled nail study, 3 to 5 mg/day case reports in children, and no adverse effects at 10 to 50 mg/day (dose_max_studied 50,000 mcg). The 300 to 5,000 mcg typical range reflects common market products rather than a dose-finding trial. Lab-test interference: biotin-streptavidin immunoassays (thyroid panels, troponin, 25(OH)D, NT-proBNP) can read falsely high or low; even a single 10 mg dose interfered within 24 hours, and FDA has reported a fatality linked to a falsely low troponin. Advise consumers to tell clinicians and pause biotin before blood tests.

Standardization: ≥98% D-biotin (USP) or 1% trituration

Source material: synthetic

As supplied: Usually a 1% trituration on a carrier for microgram doses (0.1 mg powder per mcg); neat biotin is used for mg-level doses

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Stable and tasteless; works in every format, including gummies, which dominate the hair-skin-nails category.

Formulation notes

Interferes with biotin-based lab immunoassays at supplemental intakes; include a label statement. Raw egg white (avidin) binds biotin. Often paired with collagen, silica, and zinc.

Sources

  1. Biotin — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH ODS
  2. Biotin interference in immunoassay: a review for the laboratory scientist. (Avery G, 2019)PubMed
  3. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. (Patel DP, 2017)PubMed

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