How to choose the best biotin supplement for hair growth
If you have low levels of biotin, supplementation can address this which may improve deficiency symptoms like hair loss. However, it can be tough to select the best biotin supplement with so many products on the market. Here are some things to look out for and tips to guide you in your search for a hair loss product that works.
Check the dosage
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends a daily biotin intake of 30 mcg/day [11]. Most people are able to get this through a balanced diet [11], including healthy hair growth foods, but many biotin supplements offer much higher doses. A healthcare professional can advise on the right biotin dosage for your needs.
Research suggests it’s safe to take very high doses of biotin regularly [12]. One study investigated supplementation with 100 mg biotin thrice daily (300000 μg per day in total) as a treatment for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) [12]. MS-related disability improved, and the supplements were found to be as safe as a placebo [12]. However, biotin doses this high do not tend to be recommended for hair loss.
Although no harmful side effects were revealed in this study, it’s worth noting that taking high doses of biotin can lead to inaccurate thyroid test results. This can be dangerous for people who need their thyroid hormone levels carefully monitored, such as those with thyroid cancer [13].
Look for high-quality ingredients
Opt for supplements that use high-quality, natural ingredients with no unnecessary fillers or additives. Ingredients like gelatin, artificial colours, and preservatives should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether. You may wish to choose a product that includes other minerals and vitamins for hair growth, like zinc for hair loss, vitamin E for hair health, and vitamin C for healthy hair.