Medical Condition Library

Information Centers

Wellness Centers

Helpful Resources

Biotin

Home | Health Information Center | Natural & Alternative Treatments | Herbs & Supplements | Article

Introduction

Biotin is a B-vitamin that is made by the body. Biotin can also be found in food products such as egg yolks, whole grains, and nuts. It has been used to prevent and treat biotin deficiency, help control blood glucose and to strength hair and nails. Biotin can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.

Dosages

There are no advised doses for biotin.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

Multiple sclerosis—may improve symptoms when used with standard treatment B1

Not Enough Data to Assess

DiabetesA1-A3
Seborrheic dermatitisC1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take biotin orally in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References►

A. Diabetes

A1. Singer GM, Geohas J. The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 Dec;8(6):636-643.

A2. Albarracin C, Fuqua B, et al. Combination of chromium and biotin improves coronary risk factors in hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial. J Cardiometab Syndr. 2007;2(2):91-97.

A3. Albarracin CA, Fuqua BC, et al. Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(1):41-51.

B. Multiple sclerosis

B1. Tourbah A, Lebrun-Frenay C, et al. MD1003 (high-dose biotin) for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Mult Scler. 2016;22(13):1719-1731.

C. Seborrheic Dermatitis

C1. Victoire A, Magin P, et al. Interventions for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Mar 4;3:CD011380.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 9/9/2019

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.