Possible silly question about biotin

[Jingley]

I've learned, thanks to all the knowledgeable people here, that supplements containing biotin need to be stopped several days before bloods are taken 👍No problems with that but what about cosmetics, shampoo and conditioners that contain biotin?

Would the biotin in these products be absorbed? I wouldn't think that shampoo and conditioner would be an issue but what about face creams that are obviously absorbed into the skin. Just read the ingredients list on one of my moisturising face creams and it has biotin listed.

Should it be stopped the same as supplements?

Sorry for the silly question.

[FallingInReverse]

I will say as a parallel that when taking a cortisol test you have to stop anti-aging lotions/creams before because they soak in through your skin and can interfere with the test. So that is definitely true.

Biotin shampoos that you apply with your hands would logically absorb into your hair and hands. Probably trace amounts, but my layman’s opinion is better safe than sorry for all of it.

But I don’t know scientifically for certain : )

[Jingley in reply to FallingInReverse]

I did think that about the creams etc that they should be stopped as they're absorbed. BUT I never even considered the fact that shampoo and conditioner was put on using your hands 🙄. I was only thinking about your hair absorbing it. But obviously some will be absorbed by your hands while massaging it into your hair..... And scalp for that matter.

Hopefully, I've not absorbed too much shampoo and conditioner this morning as I have a blood draw on Monday morning.

Thanks FallingInReverse much appreciated

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Bear in mind that our everyday diets can and do contain biotin - in varying quantities, of course. Those quantities are not believed to affect tests.

helvella - Biotin supplementation and testing

A short article about how and why biotin can affect blood tests. Includes information about how to avoid any problems.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[Jingley in reply to helvella]

Well I did say it was a stupid question....

I have a tendency to go off on a tangent when thinking about things

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Jingley]

Definitely NOT a stupid question!

And it is far better asked than left to cause ongoing concern - you and anyone else who thinks about the possibilities.

[Jingley in reply to helvella]

Thank you helvella

The support on this forum is amazing

[Wwwdot]

Hi Jingley

Defo not a stupid question! I learnt quite a bit from this short post!

🤗🤗🤗