A biotin deficiency may lead to hair loss, and supplements may aid hair growth in people with this deficiency. But, evidence has not shown that biotin supplements can boost hair growth in those without a deficiency.
How long does it take to recover? A high dose of biotin supplement will take 3-5 days to treat the symptoms of biotinidase deficiency, and will most likely disappear in 3-5 months.
Biotin deficiency is reversible. People with BTD will be prescribed biotin supplements, which will stop the symptoms, but they will usually need to take the supplements long-term. The FDA does not monitor supplements as closely as they monitor food and drugs so a person should choose from a reputable source.
How Fast Does Biotin Work For Hair Growth? Research pertaining to how quickly vitamins work in the body is limited, however, we have found that some begin to see and experience benefits approximately 30 days after you start taking biotin. It may take up to 90 days or longer for some individuals.
If you're experiencing alopecia, your doctor may recommend certain biotin supplements or a higher biotin-rich diet as a way to combat hair loss. They may recommend upping your dosage to 3 milligrams (or 3,000 mcg) a day.
Still, people who support its use often recommend taking 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) of biotin in supplement form daily in order to strengthen hair and achieve results.
These include hair loss (alopecia) and periorificial dermatitis; scaly, red rash around the orifices, i.e., eyes, nose, and mouth (also called “biotin-deficient face”). The rash is similar to that of zinc deficiency. Patients may also develop conjunctivitis and skin infections.
It's rare to be deficient in biotin. Symptoms include hair loss, dry scaly skin, cracking in the corners of the mouth (called cheilitis), swollen and painful tongue that is magenta in color (glossitis), dry eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
Signs of biotin deficiency include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails [10,13]. Therefore, biotin supplements are often promoted for hair, skin, and nail health [16,23,24].
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
Taking Biotin For Hair Health
This B vitamin (it's also known as vitamin B7) can help strengthen the development of hair follicles, particularly if the hair is damaged or lacking strength.
Best overall vitamin for hair growth
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports healthy hair, skin and nail growth.
Thinning hair that arises solely as a result of dietary issues, including vitamin D deficiency - Telogen Effluvium or Diffuse Thinning - is likely to be temporary, with hair growth returning to normal within 6 to 12 months of the underlying trigger being addressed.
"The common symptoms of biotin deficiency include thinning hair, hair loss and even loss of hair color," explained Chacon. "Skin rash is also very common, and they are often found to be seborrheic and eczematous.
If a person has a biotin deficiency, taking biotin may improve the health of their skin. Otherwise, collagen can be a better option as there is more evidence to suggest it helps improve the skin's appearance.
Strengthens and thickens: Biotin "is well known for its positive effects on hair including growing stronger thicker strands," says Friese. Protects: Because biotin strengthens hair, it is less likely to break off at the ends, promoting and protecting length, explains Friese.
One cooked egg provides 10 micrograms of biotin.
Regular intake of excessive quantities of certain nutrients can cause hair loss in some cases due to a temporary condition known as Telogen Effluvium. However, the effects of too much vitamin B7 - also known as biotin toxicity - remain unconfirmed.
No side effects have been reported for biotin in amounts up to 10 milligrams a day.
Regulates Calcium Levels: Magnesium helps to regulate calcium levels in the body, which is important for healthy hair growth. Calcium buildup in the hair follicles can lead to hair breakage and hair loss, and magnesium helps to prevent this by ensuring that calcium is properly regulated.
Biotin (Vitamin B8)
Biotin is one of the most important vitamins against hair loss. Vitamin B8 is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Biotin contributes to the production of keratin, which is important for the hair, scalp and nails.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.