Biotin in Vitamin B complex supplements

[PapiGirl]

HiI've been talking a vitamin B complex for years, only to realise Biotin affects thyroid bloodworks, I can't believe I never knew!

My questions is, do I continue with the complex or just some specific B vitamins? Or just stop taking them, when my thyroid bloods are due?

Does Biotin affect all the blood levels taken or only thyroid?

Thanks👍

[helvella Administrator]

Why would you know about biotin affecting tests? After all, the entire medical and pathology sections of the universe are only recently finding out!

Biotin can affect any blood test that exploits streptin-avidin in the process. Things like basic blood counts will not be affected. But it is difficult to be sure for many tests. And many tests are available from several suppliers - with some potentially affected but not others. It ends up that you really have to ask - or assume the tests could be affected.

But don't panic. Especially as most B-complex and multivitamins have quite low levels.

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...

[PapiGirl in reply to helvella]

Thanks for that, I'll check out the link👍

[PapiGirl in reply to helvella]

I read the report, my B complex has 50mcg of Biotin, I think? I'll stop the complex a few days before my next blood test, just to be safe.

Thanks 😊

[helvella Administrator in reply to PapiGirl]

You could have more than that in a single meal!

At the forgettable end of the scale.

[PapiGirl in reply to helvella]

Yep, just checked, 50 micrograms😁

[helvella Administrator in reply to PapiGirl]

Three ounces of chicken livers, for example, could have 150 micrograms of biotin.

I'm not saying you should take it on the day, before the blood draw.

But don't panic. Skip for a couple of days and there is no chance of any impact.

[PapiGirl in reply to helvella]

I'm a Pescatarian, should no chicken for me lol.I mainly take it for the B12, here are the supplement ingredients.

Each tablet contains:Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 100mg, Biotin (Vitamin H) 50micrograms, Calcium pantothenate 50mg, Choline bitartrate 50micrograms, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 50micrograms, Folic acid 90micrograms, Inositol 50micrograms, Nicotinamide 50mg, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 50mg equiv. to Pyridoxine 41.1 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 25mg, Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 50mg

Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains:Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 100mg, Biotin (Vitamin H) 50micrograms, Calcium pantothenate 50mg, Choline bitartrate 50micrograms, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 50micrograms, Folic acid 90micrograms, Inositol 50micrograms, Nicotinamide 50mg, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 50mg equiv. to Pyridoxine 41.1 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 25mg, Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 50mg

What a lot of ingredients!!

[helvella Administrator in reply to PapiGirl]

But you might care to read this:

helvella - Vitamers of Vitamin B6

Some time ago, I mentioned that the form in which we take vitamin B6 is important. I think I linked to this paper:

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

[PapiGirl in reply to helvella]

WOW and I've just noticed this warning..Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. This product contains pyridoxine hydrochloride which may be dangerous when used in large amounts or for a long time. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Do not use if cap is broken.

Ive been taken this supplement for years and because of that I've never noticed the warning. My husband takes it too. Might have to change to a better brand, any suggestions for one in Australia?

[helvella Administrator in reply to PapiGirl]

Sorry - I'm very bad with supplements in general, and especially re Australia. Maybe someone else will reply with some ideas.

[Bluesadawg in reply to helvella]

Hiya, do you know whether biotin can affect IgG food sensitivity blood test results? I don't have time to read the article just now sorry

[helvella Administrator in reply to Bluesadawg]

No idea - and I don't want to guess!

[Bluesadawg in reply to helvella]

fair enough

[SlowDragon Administrator]

In week before blood test, stop vitamin B complex, instead you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) just for that week

[ReallyWondering]

my doctor recommends stopping biotin for two weeks prior to bloodwork. Biotin definitely can skew the thyroid results. I take a super b-complex that contains biotin and I skip it for two weeks prior to bloodwork.