Frequently called vitamin H for its ability to promote hair growth, biotin is a popular remedy for hair loss. Also known as vitamin B7, it has a role in maintaining healthy hair and nails, among other important metabolic functions in the body, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the Arizona Center of Integrative Health. A key nutrient for hair growth, it helps produce keratin, the hair protein that strengthens hair, improves its texture and stimulates hair growth.
Biotin and Hair Loss
The link between biotin and hair loss is not an established one. Biotin’s widespread use as a hair friendly vitamin is based on the fact that its deficiency can result in hair loss. Despite strong anecdotal evidence and prevalent usage of the vitamin for hair growth, there is little documented evidence, other than a small study to support the claim the vitamin can reverse hair loss.
A small study, according to the the University of Maryland Medical Center, reported that biotin, combined with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate helped with alopecia areata, a form of hair loss, in both children and adults.
Expert Insight on Biotin for Healthy Hair
Despite the lack of evidence, some dermatologists and alternative medicine doctors routinely recommend biotin supplementation, given its role in the natural hair manufacturing process, in tandem with other therapies for hair loss. Dr. Ted Daly, a clinical professor of dermatology at Nassau University Medical Center, as reported by MedicineNet, recommends 3 mgs (milligrams) to his patients experiencing hair loss.
While biotin may not reverse the condition as a standalone treatment, it may work as an important piece in unlocking the hair loss puzzle. Dr. Emily Kane, former editor for the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, and author of Managing Menopause Naturally, recommends a daily dose of 8-10 mgs of biotin for 4 to 6 weeks to “significantly arrest hair loss”.
She adds that continuing supplementation beyond the treatment period may provide further benefits by stimulating new hair growth and assures that the vitamin is safe even when taken in large doses. She sometimes recommends the trace mineral silica in a dosage of 250-500mg jointly with biotin for hair loss, and advises her patients to eat a diet that includes plenty of lean protein, such as grass fed meat, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds to help thicken thinning hair.
Although she often prescribes the two nutrients for hair health, she recommends seeing a doctor for severe hair loss, to rule out hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism and iron deficiencies.
Sources:
- Better Nutrition; Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow. (accessed, April 9, 2010)
- Official Website of Dr. weil; Biotin. (accessed, April 8, 2010)
- Linus Pauling Institute; Biotin. (accessed, April 10, 2010)
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin H (Biotin). (accessed, April 9, 2010)
- Dr. Emily Kane’s Official Website; Thinning Hair (accessed, April 9, 2010)
- Emily A Kane; Managing Menopause Naturally. Basic Health Publications, 2004
- MedicineNet; Treating Hair Loss Naturally. (accessed, April 8, 2010)
Arathi Srikantaiah - Arathi Srikantaiah is a freelance writer based in the Pacific Northwest. She has been writing travel, education, green living and health ...
