Introduction

Biotin is a B-vitamin that is made by the body. Biotin can also be found in food products such as egg yolks, whole grains, and nuts. It has been used to prevent and treat biotin deficiency, help control blood glucose and to strength hair and nails. Biotin can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for biotin.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

Not Enough Data to Assess

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take biotin orally in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References

REFA Diabetes

REFA1 Singer GM, Geohas J. The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 Dec;8(6):636-643.

REFA2 Albarracin C, Fuqua B, et al. Combination of chromium and biotin improves coronary risk factors in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial. J Cardiometab Syndr. 2007;2(2):91-97.

REFA3 Albarracin CA, Fuqua BC, et al. Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(1):41-51.

REFB Multiple sclerosis

REFB1 Tourbah A, Lebrun-Frenay C, et al. MD1003 (high-dose biotin) for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Mult Scler. 2016;22(13):1719-1731.

REFC Seborrheic Dermatitis

REFC1 Victoire A, Magin P, et al. Interventions for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Mar 4;3:CD011380.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
  • Review Date: 07/2019
  • Update Date: 09/09/2019