Overview
Coenzyme for carboxylases — popular for hair and nails despite weak data outside true deficiency.
- Whole-food sources (animal products for fat-soluble and B-complex vitamins; produce for water-soluble vitamins)
- Fortified foods (cereals, dairy, plant milks, nutritional yeast)
- Multivitamins or stand-alone supplements in synthetic or food-derived form
- Capsule or softgel
- Sublingual tablet or liquid
- Methylated active form for sensitive individuals
- Multivitamin matrix
Forms & variants of Biotin (B7)
Different chemical forms of Biotin (B7) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Cofactor for 5 carboxylases involved in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism.
- · Carboxylase activity
- · Keratin substrate availability
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Biotin (B7) supports collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, or barrier function in skin and integumentary tissues.
Evidence-based benefits
Reverses hair/nail issues in biotin deficiency
Strong evidenceImproves hair growth in non-deficient adults
Limited evidencePotential side effects
- · Acne flare
- · Falsely alters thyroid/troponin lab assays at high dose
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
- Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Scientific evidence9Show studiesHide studies
Biotin for hair and nail growth
Patel DP, et al.
Review of biotin trials in hair/nail disorders.
Benefits limited to documented biotin deficiency.
PubMed: Biotin (B7) — Reverses hair/nail issues in biotin deficiency
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PubMed: Biotin (B7) — Improves hair growth in non-deficient adults
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PubMed: Biotin (B7) — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Biotin (B7) — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Biotin (B7) — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Biotin (B7) — safety adverse events
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PubMed: Biotin (B7) — dose response
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Google Scholar: Biotin (B7) — clinical evidence
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Cross-database citation index for Biotin (B7) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.