Biotin for Hair, Skin & Nails: Dose, Lab Test Warning and How to Choose

Biotin is the best-known "beauty vitamin" and the star of most hair, skin and nails supplements. But how much is in these products, what else should be in them, and what is the one thing every biotin user needs to tell their doctor? This guide explains it.

What Is Biotin?

Biotin is vitamin B7, sometimes called vitamin H. It is a water-soluble B-vitamin found in foods like eggs (especially the yolk), nuts, seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes and legumes.

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin. It is involved in the body's energy metabolism, and it plays a role in keratin, the structural protein of hair and nails. That is why it is in almost every beauty-from-within product.

How Much Biotin Is in Supplements?

Beauty supplements often contain 2,500 to 10,000 mcg of biotin per serving, far above the Daily Value of 30 mcg. That is why labels often show percentages of several thousand percent. Biotin is water-soluble, and the body excretes what it does not use.

The Important Warning: Biotin and Lab Tests

This is the most important thing to know about biotin. High-dose biotin can interfere with some laboratory blood tests, for example certain thyroid tests and troponin tests used to check the heart. It can make results look falsely high or falsely low.

What to do: always tell your doctor that you take biotin before any blood test. Your doctor may ask you to pause it for a few days beforehand.

Other Nutrients in Hair, Skin & Nails Formulas

• Folate (vitamin B9) contributes to normal cell division.
• Vitamin D3 contributes to normal cell function.
• Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
• Collagen is the main structural protein of skin.

Strips, Gummies or Capsules?

• Oral strips dissolve on the tongue, need no water and are usually sugar-free.
• Gummies taste good and are easy to take, but usually contain some sugar.
• Capsules can hold the most ingredients but need to be swallowed.

The best format is the one you will actually take every day.

Be Patient

Hair grows about half an inch (around 1 cm) per month, and nails grow slowly too. Any beauty-from-within routine needs at least a few months of daily use. Also remember: a balanced diet, enough protein, sleep and gentle hair care matter just as much.

If you notice sudden or heavy hair loss, see a doctor. Hair loss can have many causes that need medical attention.

Checklist Before You Buy

• How much biotin per serving?
• Which other nutrients are included?
• How much sugar, especially in gummies?
• Does the label include the lab test warning?
• Is it made in a GMP-certified facility?

Our Hair, Skin & Nails Products

• SUPPLI-X Hair, Skin & Nails Strips: 5,000 mcg biotin, 400 mcg folate and 20 mcg vitamin D3 per strip. Orange flavor, sugar-free with monk fruit and stevia, no water needed, 30 strips.
• SUPPLI-X Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies: 6,000 mcg biotin with vitamins A, C, D, E, B-vitamins, zinc, iodine and marine collagen. Passion fruit flavor, pectin-based. Contains fish.

For topical hair care, read our guide on rosemary scalp serums.

See Hair, Skin & Nails Strips →

FAQ

What is biotin?

Biotin is vitamin B7. It contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin and is found in eggs, nuts, seeds and salmon.

Can biotin affect blood tests?

Yes. High-dose biotin can interfere with some lab tests, such as certain thyroid and troponin tests. Tell your doctor you take biotin before any blood work.

How long does biotin take to work?

Hair and nails grow slowly, so give any routine at least a few months of daily use.

Is 5,000 mcg of biotin a lot?

It is far above the Daily Value of 30 mcg but a common amount in beauty supplements. Biotin is water-soluble.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before using any supplement.