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Vitamin

Biotin

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B vitamin the body needs to break down fats, carbohydrates and protein.

Also listed as Vitamin B7, Vitamin H, D-Biotin, Biotin Extract

Hair & SkinLongevity

Will it make hair grow?

A 2017 review found 18 reports of improvement in hair or nails, but every patient had an underlying disorder. These cases are a reason to recognize and treat a specific problem, rather than evidence that healthy people will grow fuller hair. 1

Hair GrowthToo little evidence

Evidence for extra biotin in people without a deficiency or relevant underlying condition remains inadequate. 1

Hair StrengthToo little evidence

Reports involving unusual hair disorders do not establish stronger hair in the general population. 1

What about skin and nails?

BfR distinguishes biotin’s normal role in maintaining skin and hair from the effect of supplements. It notes that ordinary dietary intake is generally sufficient and that an additional benefit for skin or hair is not expected. 2

Skin textureToo little evidence

A normal biological function is not proof that a supplement improves skin texture in someone already getting enough biotin. 2

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Longevity1 effect

Oxidative stressLongevityNo effectFNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCoEvidence record

All studies

5 publications are linked to Biotin, newest first.

Biotin for Hair Loss: Teasing Out the Evidence.2024Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health—A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why2023Dietary supplements in dermatology: a review of the evidence for zinc, biotin, vitamin D, nicotinamide, and polypodium.2020A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss2017The Infatuation With Biotin Supplementation: Is There Truth Behind Its Rising Popularity? A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy versus Social Popularity.2017

Sources