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- Glynis, A. (2012, November). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of an oral supplement in women with self-perceived thinning hair. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 5(11), 28–34
- Glynis, A. (2012, November). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of an oral supplement in women with self-perceived thinning hair. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 5(11), 28–34
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How Does Biotin Make Your Hair Grow Faster?
Biotin Consumption
For those hoping to grow their hair longer, faster, biotin has served as a vitamin supplement used in the quest for maximized hair growth. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that can be found in both supplement and food form. Biotin deficiencies are associated with hair loss. Food sources with the most significant amounts of biotin include nuts (especially peanuts and almonds), egg yolks, soybeans and fish. Other sources include:
- whole-wheat bread
- cheddar cheese
- pork
- avocado
- raspberries
- cauliflower
These foods also are associated with other beneficial vitamins for hair growth, including vitamins A and B6.
- For those hoping to grow their hair longer, faster, biotin has served as a vitamin supplement used in the quest for maximized hair growth.
- Food sources with the most significant amounts of biotin include nuts (especially peanuts and almonds), egg yolks, soybeans and fish.
Suggested Daily Intake
Biotin 1,000 mcg Side Effects
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The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board makes the following recommendations for daily biotin intake: males and females older than 19, 30 mcg per day, with the exception of nursing females, who should consume 35 mcg. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are no adverse affects associated with overconsumption of biotin itself (for example, if one was to take excess amounts of biotin supplements). According to Oregon State University research, biotin has been tolerated without side effects in consumption of up to 300,000 mcg per day.
However, it is important to note that the amount of biotin you take or consume is not commensurate with the amount of hair growth that will occur. Instead, biotin is more often used to supplement those who have a biotin deficiency. For these people, consuming increased amounts of biotin or taking a biotin supplement is associated with faster hair growth.
- The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board makes the following recommendations for daily biotin intake: males and females older than 19, 30 mcg per day, with the exception of nursing females, who should consume 35 mcg.
- According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are no adverse affects associated with overconsumption of biotin itself (for example, if one was to take excess amounts of biotin supplements).
What Is Needed for Growth
When people ingest the right foods containing the right vitamins, experience low levels of stress and receive proper hair care, hair grows at its best rate. However, many people are missing one or even all of these lifestyle factors that make hair grow at its best rate. Because biotin helps hair reach its full potential in terms of growth, taking a supplement to meet the daily recommended dosage helps a person maximize her hair's fastest growth potential 3.**
- When people ingest the right foods containing the right vitamins, experience low levels of stress and receive proper hair care, hair grows at its best rate.
Related Articles
References
- Biotin. (2010, November)
- Glynis, A. (2012, November). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of an oral supplement in women with self-perceived thinning hair. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 5(11), 28–34
- Glynis, A. (2015, March 10). A 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of an extra-strength marine protein supplement to promote hair growth and decrease shedding in women with self-perceived thinning hair. Dermatology Research and Practice
- Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166-169. doi:10.1159/000462981
- Kummer S, Hermsen D, Distelmaier F. Biotin Treatment Mimicking Graves' Disease. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(7):704-6. doi:10.1056/NEJMc1602096
- Mock DM, Quirk JG, Mock NI. Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;7. doi:10.1093/ajcn/75.2.295
- Zempleni J, Hassan YI, Wijeratne SS. Biotin and biotinidase deficiency. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2008;3(6):715-724. doi:10.1586/17446651.3.6.715
- Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R. Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371-378.
- Daniells S, Hardy G. Hair loss in long-term or home parenteral nutrition: are micronutrient deficiencies to blame? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Nov;13(6):690-7.
- Kummer S, Hermsen D, Distelmaier F. Biotin Treatment Mimicking Graves' Disease. N Engl J Med. 2016 Aug 18;375(7):704-6.
- Rajput RJ. Controversy: is there a role for adjuvants in the management of male pattern hair loss? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2010 May;3(2):82-6.
- Trüeb RM. Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss. Int J Trichology. 2016 Apr-Jun;8(2):73-7.
Writer Bio
Rachel Nall began writing in 2003. She is a former managing editor for custom health publications, including physician journals. She has written for The Associated Press and "Jezebel," "Charleston," "Chatter" and "Reach" magazines. Nall is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Tennessee.