A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss PMC

Table Of Content

• Best for hair loss
• When to see a doctor for hair loss
• vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Biotin for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It
• Best with Peptides: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
• Dietary supplements
• © 2024 Harvard Health Publishing® of The President and Fellows of Harvard College
• Does biotin help menopausal hair loss?

Male pattern baldness, or male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), is the gradual loss of hair on the scalp. With 30–50% of men experiencing some degree of MAA by the age of 50, many are looking for ways to prevent further hair loss (10). However, little is known about biotin’s role in hair health and whether this supplement can truly help. To systematically review the literature on biotin efficacy in hair and nail growth.

Best for hair loss

People who have gout or other conditions that require them to limit protein intake should avoid collagen supplements. There isn't evidence from human studies that collagen taken orally will end up in one's skin, nails, or hair. This article will discuss collagen protein and hair growth, collagen types and hair application, who should not use collagen for their hair, and alternatives to collagen for hair growth. This process is thought to stimulate the body's healing response and boost blood circulation to the hair follicles, encouraging growth and thickness.

When to see a doctor for hair loss

Biotin is often linked with beauty because it is vital for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Moreover, having biotin-rich foods helps to reduce hair loss and promotes strong hair growth, according to a study published in the Research Gate Journal. A limited number of reliable indicators of biotin status is available [7]. In healthy adults, the concentration of biotin is 133–329 pmol/L in serum and 18–127 nmol/24 hours in urine [2].

vitamin B7 (biotin)

As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, your hair might grow slower and thinner. This hormonal shift also increases androgens—male hormones that can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss on the head. Wheat germ, whole-grain cereals, whole wheat bread, eggs, dairy products, peanuts, soya nuts, Swiss chard, salmon, and chicken are all sources of biotin. Researchers don't know at what dosage biotin might start to pose health risks. It supports the health of the skin, nerves, digestive tract, metabolism, and cells. One small study suggested that biotin and other micronutrients helped treat peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain in the extremities that can result from kidney failure or diabetes.

Biotin for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

15 Best Hair Growth Vitamins and Supplements, According to Experts 2024 - ELLE

15 Best Hair Growth Vitamins and Supplements, According to Experts 2024.

Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Over the years, I've tested dozens of products that promise to boost hair growth, and I always find myself returning to the Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Shampoo. And as it turns out, this is a top favorite of board-certified dermatologists, too. That's because it replenishes the scalp's moisture, nutrients, and skin barrier all at once.

And, of the limited studies, most indicate biotin only thickens and lengthens hair if you have a biotin deficiency. Some proponents claim that biotin-containing products make your hair stronger and more luscious. However, science only supports biotin for hair growth if a confirmed biotin deficiency has caused your hair loss.

Dietary supplements

When there isn’t enough data to set an RDA for a nutrient, which is the case with biotin, the board instead sets an adequate intake (AI). This is the nutrient level assumed to be adequate for most people (7). If you’re dealing with hair loss, you’re likely wondering not only what you can do about it, but also why it’s happening in the first place. “If your hair is falling out at the roots, often something is going wrong in your body or in your life situation,” Dr. Bergfeld says.

© 2024 Harvard Health Publishing® of The President and Fellows of Harvard College

That's why experts advise only pursuing this option with your dermatologist or trichologist as a last resort. While studies such as these may be a starting point for further research, there is not enough evidence to show collagen supplementation promotes hair growth in humans. A 2022 study on in vitro (out of the body, typically using test tubes and similar equipment) human dermal papilla cells and mice found some potential positive effects from fish-derived collagen peptides. These findings suggest that fish-derived collagen peptides could, at some point, be used to promote hair growth, but more research is needed on humans to confirm this finding.

Does biotin help menopausal hair loss?

Biotin might decrease insulin resistance and nerve symptoms related to type 2 diabetes. Some preliminary evidence suggests that biotin might help strengthen brittle nails. Other uses of biotin -- for conditions like cradle cap, hepatitis, hair loss, and depression -- are unsupported or untested. Though sales are skyrocketing, only limited research supports taking biotin supplements for hair growth — especially in men.

Being inconsistent with biotin (or any supplement you take) will vary your results and may not show any results at all. Results will not happen overnight so it’s important you stay consistent with your biotin vitamin regimen, especially for hair growth. "Genetics, in particular, play a big role in pattern hair loss," says Han. "Genetically-driven hair loss is progressive and will worsen over time without treatment. Reversing and/or treating the underlying medical issue is important in optimizing the chances of hair regrowth."

People in the United States generally meet or exceed the daily recommendation for biotin. Animal-based foods like eggs, meat, and fish tend to be the best source, but some seeds, nuts, and vegetables also contain it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require food manufacturers to list biotin on their labels unless they add it to their products. Thus, it’s best — both for your safety and nutrition — to avoid raw eggs (2). The AI for biotin is 30 mcg for adults and 35 mcg for women who breastfeed (2). Normally, the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sets a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for each nutrient.