Biotin and Hair Growth

• The role of biotin in promoting hair growth is a much debated one. While more studies are needed to confirm the credibility of the vitamin for this purpose, it is an established fact that a deficiency of biotin can lead to alopecia or severe hair loss. It is for this reason that some dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners recommend the use of high doses of biotin for a short time to arrest hair loss and activate new growth.
  
  

Sources

• The best food sources of biotin are egg yolks and liver. The nutrient is found in moderate amounts in whole grains, brewer's yeast, rice, milk and some vegetables. It is also naturally produced by the bacteria in the intestines under normal conditions. Biotin stands up well against heat, light and oxygen, but loses potency in strong acidic conditions.
  
  

Biotin Deficiency

• The U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin is a mere 300 mcg a day. As a result, biotin deficiency is rare in the normal population who eat a regular diet. However, some people are prone to developing a shortage. People taking an extended course of antibiotics, or anticonvulsant medication, body builders who consume large quantities of egg whites and tube fed patients are at risk for developing a deficiency.
  
  

Oral Supplementation Vs. Topical Treatments

• Experts recommend oral supplementation of biotin over topical treatments because of its limited ability to penetrate the scalp. While anecdotal evidence suggests that biotin containing shampoos and conditioners may give a temporary lush appearance to hair, there is no evidence that topical treatments promote hair growth. On the other hand, nutritionists and alternative health doctors routinely recommend either a biotin rich diet, or supplementation for hair health.
  
  

Expert Insight

• In the words of Dr. Emily Kane, former editor for the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, and author of Managing Menopause Naturally, "A daily dose of 8-10 milligrams of biotin will often significantly arrest hair loss within four to six weeks. Continued use may provide ongoing results by stimulating new hair growth." She assures that biotin is an extremely safe vitamin with no known side effects even at high doses.