Biotin (Vitamin B7) for Hair Growth
Biotin supports hair growth only when a true deficiency exists; for the vast majority of people, supplementation does not accelerate growth.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 5,000–10,000 mcg/day is the marketed dose; a balanced diet typically supplies adequacy.
- Expected timeframe
- Not applicable outside deficiency
Protocol
- studied dose
- 5,000-10,000 mcg/day is the marketed dose; a balanced diet already supplies adequacy
- evidence note
- Verdict is no for people with normal biotin status
- what happened
- Positive hair-growth trials were run in deficient or brittle-hair populations. No randomised trial shows growth acceleration in healthy, replete adults
- what to do instead
- Investigate the cause - iron deficiency, thyroid disease, telogen effluvium after illness or stress, androgenetic alopecia. Topical minoxidil has the strongest over-the-counter evidence
- critical lab warning
- Stop biotin at least 3 days before any blood test, including the thyroid and ferritin tests you would use to investigate hair loss
Evidence
What the studies say
Interventions for alopecia areata
Delamere FM, Sladden MJ, Dobbins HM +1 more
No intervention studied showed significant benefit on long-term hair growth in alopecia areata compared with placebo.
A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss
Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L
All reported cases of clinical improvement with biotin occurred in patients with an underlying biotin deficiency or inherited metabolic disorder; there is no evidence of benefit in healthy individuals.
The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP +1 more
The role of nutrition and diet in treating hair loss represents a dynamic and growing area of inquiry.
Safety
Caveats
Disclose biotin use before blood tests (stop 48–72 hours prior). Do not expect growth effects without confirmed deficiency.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.