Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Biotin (Vitamin B7) for Scalp Health

    Biotin only helps the rare person who is actually deficient, and it wrecks common lab tests.

    Overview

    Biotin only helps the rare person who is actually deficient, and it wrecks common lab tests.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    How It Works

    Cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in keratin production.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not recommended without documented deficiency
    Expected timeframe
    n/a

    Protocol

    studied dose
    5,000-10,000 mcg/day marketed dose; adequate intake is 30 mcg/day
    evidence note
    Verdict is no in people with normal biotin status
    what happened
    No trial evidence supports biotin for scalp or hair complaints in people with normal biotin status, which is nearly everyone eating a mixed diet. Seborrhoeic dermatitis in infants was historically linked to biotin, but adult scalp conditions were not
    what to do instead
    Scalp flaking and itch usually mean seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis - ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione shampoo, and a dermatology review if it persists
    critical lab warning
    Stop biotin 3 days before any blood test

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    No trial evidence supports biotin for scalp or hair complaints in people with normal biotin status, which is nearly everyone eating a mixed diet.

    The role of biotin in hair and nail disorders: a systematic review

    Score: 7/10
    2017
    systematic_review
    n=18

    Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L

    Every case of clinical benefit occurred in patients with an underlying biotin deficiency; no evidence supported use in healthy people

    View source

    A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

    Score: 6/10
    2017
    systematic_review

    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.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    High-dose biotin causes falsely abnormal troponin and thyroid test results. Stop 72 hours before blood tests.

    Less likely to help if

    Anyone with normal biotin status, and people whose scalp symptoms are from seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis.

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