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Vitamins and minerals

Biotin — a hair vitamin or a marketing ploy?

Sources: 9 · Article: 9 249 characters

Henryk Różański says that biotin may support the reversal of graying and hair repigmentation as part of the treatment he describes.

  • Jerzy Zięba describes biotin as vitamin B7, also called vitamin H, which supports processes related to the epidermis and hair.
  • Henryk Różański identifies biotin as an ingredient that benefits the condition of the skin and hair.

What the authors write

Jerzy Zięba

Biotin is vitamin B7, also called vitamin H, and is found, among other things, in supplements.

„Biotin (vitamin H, vitamin B7) is one of the vitamins essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Biotin is synthesized by bacterial flora. It is also commonly found in many foods, both in free form and bound to protein.”Biotyna (witamina H, witamina B7) jest jedną z witamin niezbędnych do prawidłowego funkcjonowania organizmu człowieka. Biotyna jest syntetyzowana przez florę bakteryjną. Biotyna jest również substancją powszechnie występującą w wielu pokarmach, w tym w postaci wolnej oraz postaci związanej z białkiem.
Jerzy Zięba

Biotin supports processes related to the epidermis and its derivatives, including hair.

„Biotin is recommended for the prevention and treatment of deficiency caused by an improper diet or absorption disorders. It is used to support keratinization and the differentiation of epidermal cells and their derivatives (including hair and nails).”Stosowanie biotyny jest zalecane w zapobieganiu i leczeniu stanów niedoborowych, wynikających z nieprawidłowej diety lub zaburzeń wchłaniania. Biotynę stosuje się jako środek wspomagający proces keratynizacji oraz różnicowania komórek naskórka wraz z jego wytworami (m.in. włosy, paznokcie).
Henryk Różański

Biotin has been identified as an ingredient that benefits the condition of the skin and hair.

„It would be beneficial to supplement Capitavit with biotin (vitamin H), panthenol (provitamin B5), and zinc (for example, in the form of a zinc salt solution). These ingredients have a very beneficial and noticeable effect on the physiological and health condition of the skin and hair.”Cenne byłoby uzupełnienie Capitavit’u biotyną (witamina H), pantenolem (prowitamina B5) i cynkiem (np. roztworem soli cynkowych). Są to bowiem składniki, które bardzo korzystnie i wyraźnie wpływają na stan fizjologiczny i zdrowotny skóry oraz włosów.
Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański says that biotin may support the reversal of graying, although the hair does not always change color.

„It prevents premature graying of hair and may reverse graying (I have observed this in some people, although hair repigmentation does not always occur; the process is supported by biotin, the amino acids tyrosine and methionine, and vitamin F—the latter should be taken orally as supplements).”Zapobiega przedwczesnemu siwieniu włosów, może odwracać siwienie (spostrzegłem to u niektórych osób – nie zawsze jednak zachodzi proces repigmentacji włosa; proces wspomagają: biotyna, aminokwas tyrozyna, metionina i witamina F – te ostatnie podawać doustnie jako suplementy).
Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański says that biotin supports hair repigmentation as part of the treatment he describes.

„It prevents premature graying of hair and may reverse graying (I have observed this in some people; hair repigmentation does not always occur, however; the process is supported by biotin, the amino acids tyrosine and methionine, and vitamin F—the latter should be taken orally as supplements).”Zapobiega przedwczesnemu siwieniu włosów, może odwracać siwienie (spostzregłem u niektórych osób; nie zawsze jednak zachodzi proces repigmentacji włosa; proces wspomaga biotyna, aminokwas tyrozyna, metionina i witamina F – te ostatnie podawać doustnie jako suplementy).

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 70.

A review indicates that biotin may help in cases of deficiency or certain disorders, but there is not enough evidence of benefits for healthy people.

Aim of the study: Biotin has become commercially popular for its claimed benefits for healthy hair and nail growth. Despite its reputation, there is little research supporting the usefulness of biotin in healthy individuals. This study systematically reviews the literature on the effectiveness of biotin for hair and nail growth.

Results: We found 18 reported cases of biotin use for changes in hair and nails. In all cases, patients who received biotin supplements had an underlying condition that impaired hair or nail growth. All cases showed clinical improvement after taking biotin. Although biotin is widely used as a supplement for hair and nail growth, research demonstrating its effectiveness is limited. Biotin supplementation may help in cases of acquired or inherited biotin deficiency and in conditions such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair. However, we believe these cases are uncommon and that there is insufficient evidence to support supplementation in healthy individuals.

A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. · Skin Appendage Disord 2017
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In the study, biotin supplements were associated with reduced hair loss and a higher hair growth rate, although the reported results do not establish whether the effect was due to biotin alone.

Aim of the study: Background: Biotin, an essential cofactor for carboxylase enzymes, plays a key role in metabolic processes, while silica is believed to support collagen synthesis, contributing to improved skin and hair health. This study investigates the dermatological benefits of standardized plant-based supplements formulated with biotin derived from Sesbania grandiflora and a biotin-silica blend extracted from Bambusa arundinacea.

Results: Skin elasticity increased to 0.15 ± 0.06 (p < 0.0001) in the biotin group and 0.17 ± 0.12 (p < 0.0001) in the biotin with silica group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Adding Orgen-Bio® and RGen-Si™ to a daily routine may support overall skin, hair, and nail health. The synergistic blend improves elasticity, reduces wrinkles, increases hydration, strengthens hair, and improves nail quality, offering effective, long-term cosmetic and structural benefits.

Money for the studycompany or manufacturer
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants105

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a girl with no hair or nail growth, biotin restored their growth.

Aim of the study: Patients with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay or encephalopathy rarely show no or negligible hair and nail growth, suggesting a biotin-responsive clinical disorder.

Results: Whole-exome sequencing found a de novo pathogenic variant, c.1091 C > T, p.T364M, in the ATP1A2 gene, but no genetic cause was identified in the biotin-responsive metabolic pathways. Treatment with biotin and acetazolamide restored normal mental function and school performance. Poor or absent nail and hair growth in any child presenting with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder should be considered evidence of a biotin-responsive genetic disorder, even when exome testing is negative.

Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Mark Gordon Foundation
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyother
Participants1

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In an infant suspected of having a biotin metabolism disorder, biotin treatment was associated with rapid clinical and biochemical improvement.

Aim of the study: Multiple carboxylase deficiency (MCD) is a rare, treatable inborn error of biotin metabolism that may cause life-threatening metabolic crises in children during their first year of life. We report the case of a 4-month-old child with persistent seizures, an eczematous rash around the openings of the body, unexplained hair loss with baldness, and severe metabolic acidosis, initially resembling septicemia.

Results: Early recognition and prompt initiation of biotin therapy can lead to rapid clinical recovery. Timely diagnosis is crucial to prevent avoidable illness and long-term neurological complications. This case highlights the importance of considering MCD in children. In the first year of life, timely treatment of unexplained metabolic acidosis can be lifesaving.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyother

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Perspectives and opinion materials

The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„So I recommend working with your own physician and considering the following: a B-complex supplement (containing at least 50 mg of B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6; 50 mcg of biotin and B12; and 500 mcg of folate) twice a day. Add 500 mg of B3 as niacin or niacinamide. Niacinamide does not cause flushing. If you take niacin, start with 50 mg and GRADUALLY increase the dose over several weeks to 500 mg twice a day to avoid skin flushing. [9,10] Many multivitamins contain B-complex vitamins as well as some magnesium, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals.”So I recommend that you work with your own physician and consider taking: B-complex preparation (containing at least 50 mg of B1, B2, B3, B5, B6; 50 mcg of biotin and B12, and 500 mcg of folate) twice a day. 500 mg additional B3 as niacin or niacinamide. Niacinamide does not cause flushing. With niacin, start with 50 mg and GRADUALLY increase over several weeks to 500 mg 2x/day to avoid the skin flush. [9,10] Many multivitamins contain the B-complex vitamins and some magnesium, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

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