Biotin

[Palermo]

I have started taking it due to my hair loss. Is there a maximum amount recommended?

[bluebug]

I haven't looked at your previous posts but:

1. Are your thyroid hormones (FT4 and FT3) not just in range but optimal ?

2. Are your vitamin D3, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 not just in range but optimal?

3. Is your haemoglobin above 12g/dL?

4. Your inflammation markers e.g. CRP, ESR low?

5. You don't have any other autoimmune conditions or issues with your sex hormones?

The reason I'm asking this is because if you have issues with any of these taking biotin won't help you.

Also the amount of biotin different people can cope with really depends on them. The actual RDA is low. I also know if you take too much biotin for you, and this doesn't have to be a big dose, you can have issues with your B5 levels. This causes skin issues e.g. acne and nail problems e.g. brittle nails.

You are actually better of taking a good B complex tablet which has not only vitamin B12 and folate in but a balanced level of biotin and B5 to avoid this. However if you haven't had your vitamin B12 level tested don't take one until you do.

[Palermo in reply to bluebug]

I have no idea about your questions, will have to investigate although I have not had a lot of those tests, I do know that.

[radd in reply to Palermo]

Palermo,

Be aware supplementing Biotin can interfere & alter the results of thyroid blood tests.

Supplementing Biotin is ok if you have a deficiency but is generally better taken as part of a B Complex. Otherwise you risk your other B vits becoming unbalanced.

bluebug is asking of those things because each could be a cause of hair loss. Low iron & low T3 are commonly seen in hair loss which improves once deficiencies are addressed. It is unwise to supplement either without first testing to determine low levels.

[bluebug in reply to Palermo]

Ask your doctor for the test results and ranges for your thyroid hormones and any other blood tests you have had in the last 6 months. It is your right under the Data Protection Act 1998 to have a copy and if challenged by the receptionist you simply tell them it is for your own records and remind them of the Data Protection Act 1998.

You will have to wait 3-5 days as the receptionist has to get permission from a GP, and the results should either be free or cost a few pence for a copy.

If the receptionist still refuses to give them to you, or wants to charge you £10 come back here and post. Then you will get more information on how to ask for ALL your test results for the £10.

If you are outside the UK but in the EU there is a Data Protection Directive which means you are entitled to a copy of your test results. However you will have to investigate yourself how to get them.

Once you have these results post a new thread with the results AND ranges. Without the ranges people will not be able to help you as labs use different ranges.

Then once you do this you will get more advice on whether your medication needs altering, whether you need supplements and what other tests you need.

[Palermo in reply to bluebug]

I am in the U.S., but thanks for responding

[Scouser58]

Hello Palermo,,,,,always read the instructions on the bottle,,and only take the recommended dose,,,and monitor how you feel,,,,sometimes taking a combination can improve things,,,,your body will tell you how much you need,,,don't be tempted to go into overdose mode,,,,your body will just pass it through your system and you will be wasting your time,,,,good luck with the supplement,,,ttfn from Karen.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Biotin can interfere with many blood tests. Specifically, some of the thyroid tests.

It may be a good idea to stop taking it some time before having blood drawn. Afraid I do not know how long it takes for levels to drop and not be an issue.

Ordinary dietary levels are acceptable - it is levels that you can achieve from supplements that are the issue.

[Daisy59]

Hi, I hope you still check in on this site. I saw that you have hair loss & loss of eyebrows. I too have some hair loss. My eyebrows are all gone now. I'm on levothyroxine .75 & my level was 2.0. I don't know the t3 & t4. I wish I knew why I was losing hair. Thyroid is in normal level. But I'm still always so tired.

[Palermo]

I do still check in. I quit taking the Biotin since it apparently messes up a lot of blood test results. My hair has never been this thin.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Palermo]

Biotin only needs to be avoided for a few days before a blood test. It is the relatively high concentration that can occur straight after supplementation that can cause a problem.