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Biotin or vitamin B7 is important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids, as well as the formation of fatty acids and glucose. A biotin deficiency can result in hair loss as it disrupts the normal hair growth cycle. While rare, biotin deficiency can usually be corrected through oral supplementation. Certain conditions that prevent the absorption of biotin may require a different route of treatment. Biotin deficiency hair loss can be reversed once biotin levels return to normal. The exact dosage required to treat a biotin deficiency can be assessed by a doctor after running some tests.
For the most part, a balanced diet that includes eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, salmon, legumes, dairy products, sweet potatoes and bananas can ensure sufficient quantities of biotin and prevent deficiency.
In this article, we will gain a better understanding of the causes of biotin deficiency, the symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options. We will also specifically look at the connection between biotin deficiency and hair loss and what you can do about it.
Biotin - what you need to know
Biotin is commonly known as vitamin B7 but has also earned the name vitamin H from the German words for hair and skin, Haar and Haut. Biotin is classified as a water-soluble vitamin and belongs to the B-complex group. In this section, we will look at the natural sources of biotin and its functions in the body.
Sources of biotin
This vitamin is available in a variety of foods and can easily be incorporated into different types of diets.
Foods that naturally contain biotin include:
- Eggs
- Liver
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Spinach Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Bananas
- Dairy products
- Oatmeal
The recommended Adequate Intake (AI) of biotin is 30 micrograms per day for both adult men and women. This amount goes up to 35 mcg for lactating mothers. Because biotin is required in only small quantities, it is usually easy to get the daily intake through a well-balanced diet.
Functions of biotin
The main function of biotin in the human body is to serve as a cofactor for a number of enzymes. This means that without biotin, these enzymes are not able to carry out their functions. The enzymes, aided by biotin, are involved in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids and amino acids. It is also required for the function of certain genes.
Biotin helps break down the food we consume into forms the body can use for energy. Thus making it essential for our normal bodily functions. An absence or deficiency in biotin can have a cascading effect as it disrupts the normal metabolic process - the very process responsible for supplying our bodies with the energy required for growth and other functions.
Biotin is also responsible for maintaining the structure of keratin. Keratin is a structural protein that helps to keep our hair, skin and nails strong and healthy. Keratin is also responsible for the texture and durability of hair and nails.
What causes biotin deficiency?
Now, let’s understand what causes biotin deficiency. As you can see, it is relatively easy to meet your daily requirements of biotin from your diet. However, certain conditions can lead to a biotin deficiency.
Here are some of the medical causes of biotin deficiency:
- Medication - Some medications, like those taken to prevent convulsions, can cause a depletion in biotin levels in the body. This usually happens during prolonged use of these drugs. Antibiotics that inhibit the gut microbiome can also cause a deficiency in biotin.
- Genetic disorders - Our genes make an enzyme called biotinidase, which is responsible for the recycling and utilisation of biotin. A genetic disorder that disrupts biotinidase production is linked to biotin deficiency.
- Intestinal disorders - Inflammatory bowel disorders that prevent the absorption of biotin in the intestines are directly linked to a biotin deficiency.
- Dietary habits - A rare dietary habit of consuming raw egg whites over a long time prevents the absorption of biotin. This happens because a protein in egg white binds to biotin, making it difficult for the body to absorb. This does not happen when consuming cooked egg whites.
- Smoking - Smoking causes biotin metabolism to speed up. This results in lower than usual levels of active biotin in the body.
- Pregnancy - Pregnant women can experience biotin deficiency even when following a normal diet, because of the various changes taking place in the body at this time.
Most of these causes of biotin deficiency can be corrected with the right form of treatment. An extremely poor diet with very limited food options could result in a biotin deficiency, although this doesn’t occur very often. We will look at the treatment of biotin deficiency in more detail a little later in this article.
Why does biotin deficiency cause hair loss?
One of the symptoms of biotin deficiency is hair loss or hair thinning. Other symptoms include skin rashes and brittle nails. Biotin is important for the metabolism of certain nutrients like fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. All of these nutrients are required for healthy hair growth. As mentioned earlier, biotin is required for keratin production. As keratin is responsible for hair structure and texture, hair can become brittle and break easily without it.
The combined functions of biotin make it significant in contributing to healthy hair growth. But how do you know if your hair loss is caused by a biotin deficiency? The biotin deficiency symptoms in hair loss to look out for are:
- Thinning in patches across the scalp
- Changes in hair texture
- Hair becoming brittle and easily breakable
- Red, flaky skin rashes
- Nails that crack easily.
If you are experiencing all of these symptoms, there is a good chance that your hair loss is caused due to biotin deficiency. The next step is understanding how to treat it.
Treatment of Biotin Deficiency
The treatment of biotin deficiency always starts with the correct diagnosis of the cause. It doesn’t make sense to take an oral supplement if the deficiency is caused by problems with absorption. Also, a supplement might not always be required, or might need to be administered in combination with other treatments. Let’s understand the treatment options in more detail.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a biotin deficiency, please visit your doctor. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and might also recommend tests to check for deficiencies. While a blood test can check for various nutrient deficiencies, biotin deficiency is usually determined by a urine test. Based on the results of the examination and the test, your doctor will be able to determine if you have a biotin deficiency.
Biotin deficiency caused due to genetic disorders has a different screening process and is usually done at birth if there is a family history. Here’s what your doctor could recommend for the treatment of biotin deficiency:
- Biotin supplements: The dosage of the supplement can range from 5 to 60 milligrams per day, depending on the cause and severity of the deficiency.
- Dietary changes: Your doctor or dietitian will recommend certain foods that will help bring your biotin levels back to normal.
- Probiotics: Biotin deficiency caused by prolonged antibiotic use or other intestinal conditions may also need a probiotic supplement to help heal the gut flora.
- Lifestyle Changes: As smoking and even drinking alcohol can disrupt biotin absorption, you might need to cut down or give up these activities to help increase biotin levels.
Biotin deficiency hair loss treatment
Hair loss caused by biotin deficiency typically happens in patches across the scalp. This hair loss might also be accompanied by a scaly rash on the scalp. Your doctor will, of course, first treat the biotin deficiency as mentioned above, and you will be required to make diet and lifestyle changes to help with your recovery. Once the underlying issue has been taken care of, you can then focus on helping your hair to grow back full and healthy.
You can consult a dermatologist to get the right treatment for scalp rashes. Your doctor might also prescribe topical application of Minoxidil to help promote the growth of new hair. Besides a biotin supplement, you can also take a hair growth supplement like Traya’s Ultimate Hair Supplements combo. The right shampoo and hair care routine could also help to improve your scalp health and promote healthy hair growth.
Biotin deficiency treatment could be lifelong if caused by genetic disorders. However, in other cases, the treatment will continue until the main cause has been eliminated, and the body is able to maintain normal biotin levels on its own through a healthy diet. Biotin deficiency hair loss can be reversed with the right treatment and diet.
Biotin or vitamin B7 plays an important role in promoting healthy hair, skin and nails. Biotin deficiency can result in hair loss that is characterised by patches across the scalp. The diagnosis and treatment of biotin deficiency can help to restore normal hair growth. A healthy diet with biotin-rich foods can help to prevent a deficiency and the symptoms of biotin deficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who has a higher risk of biotin deficiency?
Biotinidase deficiency, which can cause biotin deficiency, is a genetic disorder; anyone with a family history of this condition is considered high risk. Other people who might also be at a high risk of biotin deficiency are pregnant and lactating mothers, smokers, and people who consume alcohol. Patients who depend on intravenous nutrition might also suffer from biotin deficiency.
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Can you take too much biotin?
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, and excess is usually filtered out of the body through the liver and kidneys. Too much biotin or biotin toxicity is therefore very rare and doesn’t occur under normal circumstances.
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Can biotin increase hair growth?
Biotin has often been hyped up as a supplement for promoting hair growth. However, that claim is only half true. The only time a biotin supplement can aid in hair growth is if you have suffered from biotin deficiency hair loss. Otherwise, if your biotin levels are normal, adding more to your diet will not enhance hair growth.
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How long does it take for a biotin deficiency to be resolved?
Once the cause is diagnosed and treatment started, biotin deficiency can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to start showing results. If you are taking a biotin supplement for hair loss, please remember to be patient, as your hair will start to grow back in a few months.
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Do I need to take a biotin supplement daily for better health?
No. A biotin supplement is only necessary if you are suffering from a biotin deficiency. The human body requires only 30 milligrams of biotin per day for normal functioning, and this amount can easily be acquired from a balanced diet. If you suspect that you might have a biotin deficiency, you can consult with your doctor and get tested for the same.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547751/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5582478/
- https://cosmoderma.org/biotin-a-friend-or-foe-in-hair-loss/
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