Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for a variety of body functions, including the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. People commonly take biotin supplements for their potential benefits for hair, skin, and nails. While biotin is generally considered safe when taken within recommended levels, some people may experience side effects or adverse reactions. The following are potential side effects associated with biotin supplements .
Food sources of biotin include beef, egg yolks, pork, milk, white mushrooms, cheese, lettuce, carrots, apples, spinach and oats.
Functions of B vitamins include:
- Normal functioning of the nervous system and brain
- Promotes skin, eye, hair and liver health
- Normal fetal growth during pregnancy
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, and excess biotin in food is excreted in the urine. Therefore, biotin poisoning due to excessive consumption of biotin-rich foods is rare.
The adequate intake (AI) of biotin is 30 micrograms per day. People with biotin deficiency include those with genetic disorders that prevent them from using biotin properly or producing this vitamin in their bodies.
Some people who are biotin deficient also have health conditions that prevent the body from fully absorbing biotin. For example, people with Crohn's disease have difficulty absorbing nutrients from the small intestine.
Individuals who are biotin deficient due to medical conditions or genetic factors may be able to supplement with biotin to address the shortage.
However, for some people, taking biotin supplements can cause side effects. Here are some potential side effects to be aware of when taking biotin supplements:
Biotin Supplement Side Effects
allergic reaction
Some people may be allergic to biotin supplements and experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, or hives. Allergic reactions to biotin are rare but can occur.
indigestion
Taking biotin may cause stomach upset such as cramping, upset stomach, and nausea. Whenever you experience any problem related to an upset stomach, consult your doctor immediately who will evaluate whether you are taking enough or if you need to stop taking biotin supplements. If biotin supplementation causes persistent stomach discomfort, your doctor may recommend that you obtain biotin naturally from foods rich in biotin.
Acne
Acne is considered a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged. Oil and dead skin cells can clog these follicles, causing pimples or lesions to break out. Bacterial infection can worsen these pimples and lead to acne.
Initially, a daily supplement of 10 mg of biotin can help patients receiving isotretinoin maintain skin hydration. Another study examined the effectiveness of biotin supplementation in the treatment of acne and showed that 12 weeks of biotin treatment reduced acne. Both studies refute the idea that excessive biotin supplements can increase or trigger acne breakouts.
However, there are reports that excessive biotin supplementation can reduce the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, thereby preventing the development of acne. Therefore, in some cases, high-dose biotin supplementation may inhibit other vitamins from protecting the skin from acne.
Insomnia
Insomnia, or the inability to sleep, is a common condition that can lead to serious illness if left untreated. There are reports that excessive biotin supplementation can cause insomnia.
Since biotin supplementation is needed to metabolize fats and carbohydrates and convert them into energy, excessive biotin intake at night may cause an energy surge. This surge of energy may make it difficult to fall asleep. Therefore, taking biotin in the early morning may help prevent insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
Interference with laboratory test results
Biotin supplements may interfere with certain lab test results, causing inaccurate readings. This interference is particularly relevant for tests using biotin-streptavidin technology, such as hormonal assays. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking biotin supplements and having lab tests.
Misdiagnosis of medical conditions
Due to potential interference with laboratory tests, individuals taking biotin supplements may be at risk of receiving an incorrect diagnosis or having their medical condition mismanaged. Communicating with your healthcare provider about supplement use is crucial.
rash
Biotin supplementation is thought to improve skin texture, hair, and nails. However, some people may experience side effects such as rash after taking biotin. People taking biotin rarely develop rashes.
These rashes may be caused by an allergic reaction to biotin, where the immune system marks the biotin supplement as foreign to the body. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before taking biotin supplements, especially if you have a history of allergic reactions to other B vitamin supplements.
Interactions with other drugs
Biotin supplements may interact with certain medications, affecting their absorption or effectiveness. If you are taking medications, especially anticonvulsants or anti-seizure medications, it is recommended to discuss biotin supplements with your healthcare provider.
Like other B vitamins, biotin can interact with other medications you may be taking. For example, biotin may interfere with the breakdown of certain medications in the liver. Biotin may increase or decrease the breakdown of these drugs. Therefore, taking biotin may significantly increase the side effects of certain drugs if biotin increases the levels of the drug in the liver.
Here are some examples of medications that are altered by the liver and may be affected by biotin uptake:
- Haloperidol (to treat mental disorders)
- Fluvoxamine (treats depression)
- Clozapine (an antipsychotic drug)
- Cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant)
- Imipramine (antidepressant)
- Olanzapine (to treat schizophrenia)
kidney problems
The clearance of biotin is delayed in persons receiving dialysis. It is important to note that biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is excreted from the body via the kidneys and urine. When kidneys fail, excess biotin may not be excreted adequately.
excessive thirst
Excess biotin can cause excessive thirst. Research shows that biotin plays a role in controlling blood sugar levels. Excessive biotin can cause increased breakdown of blood sugar levels in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia. When blood sugar levels are too high, thirst may result.
generalize
Even at very high doses, biotin supplements are relatively safe and tolerable. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means excess biotin is usually excreted in the urine. However, extremely high doses of biotin supplements may cause toxicity. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin is generally considered adequate for most people.
It’s important to note that most people can meet their biotin needs through a balanced diet, as biotin is found in foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables. If considering biotin supplementation, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for people with underlying medical conditions or who are taking medications.
Finally, biotin is an essential vitamin that ensures good metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Potential side effects of this vitamin can be addressed by taking appropriate doses or eliminating biotin supplements.
Concerns about the latter can be addressed by getting biotin from food. There are no studies showing that overdose is possible when the vitamin comes from biotin-rich foods.
