Does biotin for hair growth work?

Biotin, or B7, is an essential B vitamin that helps the body get energy and nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Gastrointestinal bacteria usually produce enough biotin to meet bodily needs. Many foods also contain small amounts of biotin, including whole wheat, egg yolks, nuts, and legumes.
Biotin and hair growth
While biotin has become popular for treating hair loss, there is little evidence to support its benefits.

Dermatologic and pediatric communities in the United States once recommended the use of biotin for hair growth. Biotin is also called vitamin H, for “Haar und Haut”, which means “hair and skin” in German.

However, there have never been any clinical trials to support the use of biotin supplementation to improve hair health, except in people born with deficiencies.

While studies have shown that biotin deficiencies can lead to alopecia or hair loss researchers still do not fully understand why.
Recommended dosage

Part of the reason biotin supplementation may not be beneficial to hair health is that biotin deficiencies are considered rare.

The average intake in Western countries is small, an estimated 35-70 micrograms per day (mcg/day).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not have a daily recommended dietary allowance for biotin. And, most people in the U.S. get more than enough biotin naturally from gastrointestinal bacteria and their diet.

Currently, biotin supplementation is only recommended for people with biotin deficiencies and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

For infants born with biotin deficiencies, the recommended supplemental dose is 10-30 mcg/day. Individuals over the age of 10 years with biotin deficiencies should consume between 30-100 mcg/daily.

Brand names for approved biotin supplements in the U.S. include:

Appearex
Genadur
Meribin
Nail-ex