Biotin‘s Role in Hair Growth: Experts Weigh In on Supplement Benefits and Potential Risks
New York – While frequently enough touted for its hair and nail-strengthening properties, the benefits of biotin supplementation are nuanced and depend heavily on individual needs, dermatologists say. Recent research and expert opinions suggest biotin may only be effective for those with a confirmed biotin deficiency, and excessive intake can even interfere with medical test results.
Small clinical trials have indicated biotin supplements may improve hair thickness and growth,and can also strengthen brittle nails by improving their firmness,thickness and hardness. However, Dr. Amy McMichael, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, emphasizes that biotin supplements likely won’t strengthen nails or boost hair growth if a person isn’t already deficient in the vitamin.
“If you’re facing brittle, easily broken nails, biotin supplements may be used as a short-term treatment,” McMichael saeid. “But, if you are considering taking any kind of supplement for nail or hair health, always have a conversation with your board-certified dermatologist frist.”
Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, is generally considered safe, as excess amounts are excreted through urine, according to registered dietitian Samar Hemeida. However, Hemeida cautioned against overconsumption. “There is too much of a good thing when it comes to biotin, becuase it can prevent you from accurately diagnosing other important issues,” she said, adding that it may interfere with certain laboratory tests.
Because of this very reason, McMichael now recommends patients avoid biotin supplementation unless a deficiency is proven by a physician.
“For that reason, we now recommend to patients to really not take biotin unless they are biotin-deficient, and that is proven by their physician,” McMichael said.
