What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Are the Benefits of Biotin 7,500 Mcg?
Supplements with 7,500 micrograms of biotin contain way more than the adequate intake level for biotin, which is 30 micrograms per day. Although biotin is well-tolerated even at very high doses, deficiencies of this nutrient are rare, and you can get many of the same benefits by taking a lower dose. There's also potential for nutrient and medication interactions, so check with your doctor before taking biotin supplements.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Biotin Use
You need biotin -- a B-complex vitamin -- for proper metabolism and nervous system function, as well as for keeping your liver, eyes, skin and hair healthy. Bacteria in your intestines produce some biotin, making it relatively uncommon for people to be deficient in this nutrient.
Pregnant women, people experiencing rapid weight loss, malnourished individuals and those on long-term tube feeding may develop biotin deficiencies and need supplemental biotin. Eating a lot of raw eggs can also lead to biotin deficiencies.
- You need biotin -- a B-complex vitamin -- for proper metabolism and nervous system function, as well as for keeping your liver, eyes, skin and hair healthy.
- Bacteria in your intestines produce some biotin, making it relatively uncommon for people to be deficient in this nutrient.
Medication Interactions
What Are the Causes of Biotin Deficiency?
Learn More
There is also a chance, however, that biotin could interact with some medications and potentially increase the risk for side effects. Affected medications include:
- those for schizophrenia
- muscle relaxation
- depression
- arrhythmia
- high blood pressure
- dementia
- respiratory illnesses
- migraines
Potential Health Benefits
A combination of biotin and chromium may help people with type-2 diabetes control their blood sugar, and limited evidence suggests biotin may help improve the condition of your hair and nails, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. There is also a small amount of evidence pointing to potential benefits in limiting diabetic nerve pain, notes MedlinePlus 2. Further research is necessary to verify these effects, however, because the evidence for these benefits is still preliminary and conflicting.
Potential Considerations
Does Vitamin A Cause Hair Loss?
Learn More
Because all the B-complex vitamins work closely together, taking very high amounts of one, such as 7,500 micrograms of biotin, may interfere with the absorption of other B vitamins. For example, biotin and pantothenic acid compete for absorption, so taking high-dose biotin may increase your risk for a pantothenic acid deficiency.
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, so you may be wasting your money buying such a high-dose supplement. Any biotin over and above what the body can use right away can't be stored for later use and will be excreted in your urine.
- Because all the B-complex vitamins work closely together, taking very high amounts of one, such as 7,500 micrograms of biotin, may interfere with the absorption of other B vitamins.
Related Articles
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
- MedlinePlus: Biotin
- Linus Pauling Institute: Biotin
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Fact sheet for consumers. Updated December 8, 2017.
- Trüeb RM. Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss. Int J Trichology. 2016;8(2):73‐77. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.188040
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin: Fact sheet for health professionals. Updated June 3, 2020.
- Albarracin CA, Fuqua BC, Evans JL, Goldfine ID. Chromium picolinate and biotin combination improves glucose metabolism in treated, uncontrolled overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(1):41-51. doi:10.1002/dmrr.755
- Singer GM, Geohas J. The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006;8(6):636-643. doi:10.1089/dia.2006.8.636
- Al-Salameh A, Becquemont L, Brailly-Tabard S, Aubourg P, Chanson P. A somewhat bizarre case of Graves disease due to vitamin treatment. J Endocr Soc. 2017;1(5):431-435. doi:10.1210/js.2017-00054
Writer Bio
Based in Massachusetts, Jessica Bruso has been writing since 2008. She holds a master of science degree in food policy and applied nutrition and a bachelor of arts degree in international relations, both from Tufts University.