A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

Abstract

Background: Biotin has gained commercial popularity for its claimed benefits on healthy hair and nail growth. Despite its reputation, there is limited research to support the utility of biotin in healthy individuals. Objective: To systematically review the literature on biotin efficacy in hair and nail growth. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search of all case reports and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using the following terms: (biotin and hair); (biotin and supplementation and hair); (biotin supplementation); (biotin and alopecia); (biotin and nails); (biotin and dermatology), and (biotin recommendations). Results: We found 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth. All cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin. Conclusions: Though its use as a hair and nail growth supplement is prevalent, research demonstrating the efficacy of biotin is limited. In cases of acquired and inherited causes of biotin deficiency as well as pathologies, such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair, biotin supplementation may be of benefit. However, we propose these cases are uncommon and that there is lack of sufficient evidence for supplementation in healthy individuals.

Comment on the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss

“…At the same time, potential additional causes of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, other nutritional deficiencies, and endocrine disorders, must be systematically addressed and treated as well." I totally agree with Patel et al [1] that the custom of treating hair loss in an indiscriminate manner with oral biotin supplementation is to be rejected, and that there is a need for randomized controlled studies to validate the additional benefit of biotin supplementation in individuals with hair loss of multifactorial origin with biotin deficiency or marginal biotin levels.…”

“…Dear Editor, I read with interest "A review of the use of biotin for hair loss" by Patel et al [1]. The authors are to be commended for their intention to clarify whether there is medical evidence for the current practice of treating hair loss in otherwise healthy individuals with oral biotin.…”

“…Ultimately, Patel et al [1] conducted a PubMed search of case reports and randomized clinical trials with biotin supplementation with the aim of systematically reviewing the literature on biotin efficacy for disorders of hair and nail growth. They found 18 reports on improvement in hair and nail growth following supplementation in patients with established biotin deficiency; however, they propose that these cases are uncommon, and therefore there is a lack of evidence for biotin supplementation in healthy individuals.…”

“…It is regretful that Patel et al [1] did not acknowledge and reiterate the recommendations regarding biotin for women with hair loss from the respective publication [5]: "In view of the frequency of biotin deficiency in women complaining of hair loss, a careful patient history and clinical examination with respect to risk factors for biotin deficiency (gastrointestinal disease, medication with isotretinoin, antibiotics, or antiepileptics) and associated symptoms of biotin deficiency (seborrheic-like dermatitis, neurological symptoms) must be performed. When biotin deficiency is suspected, the serum biotin level must be determined, and in case of biotin deficiency (<100 ng/L), the cause must be sought (unless obvious from the patient history) and treated.…”

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

“…As a result, isotretinoin-associated TE and alopecia secondary to valproic acid may benefit from biotin supplementation [76,77]. A recent review identified 11 cases of hair loss secondary to biotin deficiency, from either an inherited enzyme deficiency or medication, where biotin was an effective supplementation for hair regrowth [78]. Current clinical evidence supports biotin supplementation as an effective CAM for hair loss only in cases secondary to biotin deficiency; however, apart from medications, this is rare in developed countries due to well-balanced dietary intake [79].…”