Why is Biotin a recommended blood test? - Thyroid UK

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Why is Biotin a recommended blood test?

kiefer profile image
6 Replies

I've noticed on many posts that Biotin, along with Vitamin D, Folate and Ferritin are recommended for testing to determine deficiencies that can cause low thyroid function.

What is the mechanism for low biotin levels affecting thyroid function? Or is it that hypothyroidism causes a biotin deficiency with the result being similar symptoms?

Just to be clear: This isn't a question about thyroid lab test results being skewed by those who take megadoses of biotin (>20mg/day).

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kiefer
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6 Replies
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

it’s not that you need biotin tested

It’s that biotin is used in many labs tests so it’s important NOT to be taking biotin before a blood test

If taking biotin and lab test uses biotin, it can cause false results

Many thyroid patients take vitamin B complex to improve low B12 and low folate

Vitamin B complex almost always contains biotin…..so it’s important to stop vitamin B complex 5-7 days before test

Biotin is also in many supplements for hair loss and brittle nails. Important to stop this at least a week before test, as likely a higher biotin dose

Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot

Kiefer I expect what you have read is along the lines of:

"Stop biotin 3 days before testing."

What it should say is:

"Stop any supplements containing biotin 3 days before you have thyroid bloods tested."

kiefer profile image
kiefer in reply toLalatoot

What happened is that I had copied down the 4 items I had seen recommended and then a bit of sleep deprivation caused me to not refer back to the list (trusting my memory) and somehow I inserted biotin as one of the four. It's all straightened out now. Thanks.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

kiefer

It's B12 that is advised to test along with Vit D, Folate and Ferritin. Nowhere does anyone say to test biotin. It's advised to stop taking biotin 3-7 days before any blood test (not just thyroid) due it causing false results when biotin is used in the testing procedure (3 days for the lower dose of biotin in supplements, eg 400mcg, and 7 days for the larger amounts found in stand alone supplements and hair/nail supplements, eg 5mg or 10mg).

kiefer profile image
kiefer in reply toSeasideSusie

Yes, you're correct. my bad

Ruby1 profile image
Ruby1 in reply tokiefer

I’m glad you asked the question, as it has clarified things for me.

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