Biotin Injection

Overview

Biotin, also called Vitamin B7, is one of the B-complex vitamins important for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids in the body. In other words, it helps turn food into energy and supports a healthy metabolism. Humans do not naturally produce biotin and must therefore consume it in the diet. Sources of biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, seeds, and nuts.

Biotin is found in several cosmetics and has been promoted as a dietary supplement for aiding in the growth of hair and nails.^{1, 2, 3} It has also been marketed for helping to address seborrheic dermatitis, biotinidase deficiency, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, candida infections, and high cholesterol.⁴

Biotin deficiency can be caused by excessive intake of alcohol, malnutrition, and taking certain medications. Biotin depletion can result in hair thinning, hair loss, brittle nails, psoriasis, a sluggish metabolism, fatigue, depression, and numbness and tingling of the extremities. Supplementation outside of the diet is usually not necessary if a healthy diet is consumed and no deficiency has been diagnosed.^{4, 5}

Biotin is generally well tolerated and is very rarely associated with any adverse effects, even at high doses. One case report was found, however, of an elderly woman who took 10 mg/day of biotin and 300 mg/day of pantothenic acid for two months and experienced eosinophilic pleuro-pericardial effusion.⁵ As such, patients taking biotin should exercise caution in consuming high dosages over long periods of time.