Biotin

Biotin is a coenzyme and a B vitamin. It is also known as vitamin H. Because biotin is present in so many different kinds of foods, deficiency is rare.

As a supplement, biotin is sometimes used for hepatitis, brittle nails, neuropathy, and other conditions.

Biotin plays a key role in the body. It supports the health of the skin, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells. One small study suggested that biotin and other micronutrients helped treat peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain in the extremities that can result from kidney failure or diabetes.

Biotin supplements have been studied as a treatment for a number of conditions. Biotin might decrease insulin resistance and nerve symptoms related to type 2 diabetes. More research needs to be done. Some preliminary evidence suggests that biotin might help strengthen brittle nails. Other uses of biotin -- for conditions like cradle cap, hepatitis, hair loss, and depression -- are unsupported or untested.

However, most people don't need biotin supplements. We get biotin in foods naturally. Our bodies also recycle the biotin we've already used. Genuine biotin deficiency is quite rare.

Pregnant women sometimes have low levels of biotin, so some take biotin supplements. The benefits and risks aren't clear.

The Institute of Medicine has set an adequate intake (AI) for biotin. Getting this amount from diet, with or without supplements, should be enough to support good health.

Depending on your case, your doctor might recommend a higher dose. Even at high levels, biotin appears to be fairly safe. Researchers don't know at what dosage biotin might start to pose health risks.

Biotin occurs naturally in many foods. Wheat germ, whole-grain cereals, whole wheat bread, eggs, dairy products, peanuts, soya nuts, Swiss chard, salmon, and chicken are all sources of biotin.

Side effects

Biotin seems to be safe and well-tolerated, even at fairly high levels. The maximum safe dose of biotin is unknown.

Risks. If you have any medical conditions -- or are pregnant or breastfeeding-- check with a doctor before using biotin supplements. Don't give biotin to a child unless a pediatrician recommends it.

Interactions. If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using biotin supplements. Biotin might weaken the effect of certain medications. Conversely, many drugs can lower biotin levels, including some antibiotics. Some epilepsy drugs may decrease biotin absorption from food. A supplement, lipoic acid, may also increase the need for biotin. Eating raw egg whites on a regular basis can also lower biotin levels in the body.