Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an indispensable nutrient that plays a vital role in breaking down the protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the foods we consume. Although biotin is recognized for its reputed function in promoting hair and nail growth and maintaining healthy skin. Although there is not much concrete evidence for the use of biotin supplements in individuals without biotin deficiency, many people claim that they have experienced a significant improvement in the health of their hair and nails after consuming these supplements. In case you decide to include biotin supplements in your diet, it is essential to ensure that you opt for a high-quality product, as there are countless biotin supplements available in the market. Nevertheless, you need not worry as we have listed out the six best biotin brands to help you make an informed decision. How to Determine Your Biotin Requirements Biotin, an essential B-vitamin, is vital in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the food we consume. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends an Adequate Intake (AI) of 30 micrograms (mcg) of biotin for most adults, which increases to 35mcg for breastfeeding women. However, individuals with biotin deficiency might require higher doses of biotin than the recommended daily intake. In such cases, a high dose biotin supplement can help in alleviating the symptoms of biotin deficiency. Most biotin supplements available in the market have a dosage exceeding 30mcg and can range between 5,000-10,000mcg. However, such high doses of biotin do not have any significant side effects, and researchers have not determined the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Nevertheless, taking excessive doses of biotin can cause inaccurate results in some laboratory tests related to thyroid hormone and cause digestive issues. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor about biotin supplement intake. Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming high doses of biotin can lead to acne development. As biotin enhances keratin production, the overproduction of keratin can cause hyperkeratinization, which can lead to acne. In case you are experiencing biotin deficiency symptoms or want to promote hair, skin, and nail health, it is advisable to select the best biotin supplements. However, ensure you select high-quality biotin supplements to derive maximum benefits without experiencing adverse effects. Additionally, supplements containing hyaluronic acid can enhance the effectiveness of biotin supplements, leading to better results. Considerations for Selecting a Biotin Supplement If you're in the market for a biotin supplement, there are a few important factors to keep in mind: — Third-party testing: Opt for a biotin supplement that has undergone third-party testing to ensure its quality and purity. While some supplements are tested by third-party organizations, others are produced in CGMP certified facilities with in-house testing protocols. — Allergies and dietary needs: It's important to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have when choosing a biotin supplement. Hypoallergenic biotin supplements are available from Klaire Labs and Pure Encapsulations, while Garden of Life offers vegan-friendly and organic options. — Supplement type: Choose a supplement type that is most convenient and easy for you to take, whether it's a softgel, gummy, or liquid. — Your goals: If you're looking to enhance the quality of your hair, skin, and nails, select a biotin supplement specifically designed for this purpose. These supplements often include additional ingredients to support your goals. However, it's important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of biotin for hair, skin, or nail health. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet may be more effective for promoting overall health. Additionally, be aware that biotin supplements may interfere with certain lab tests used to measure thyroid hormones or heart damage, potentially leading to false results. This could result in a misdiagnosis of serious medical conditions, which could have severe consequences. Possible Adverse Effects of Biotin Consumption Currently, no significant side effects have been linked to the consumption of biotin. Although a few individuals have reported experiencing skin rashes or digestive problems after taking biotin supplements, there is insufficient research on the specific side effects of biotin. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that biotin intake might interfere with lab test results, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses of certain medical conditions. Additionally, biotin supplements could potentially interact with anticonvulsant drugs, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking biotin if you are currently using anticonvulsant medication. Duration of Biotin Supplement in Your Body Research suggests that biotin reaches its maximum concentration in the blood 2 to 4 hours after taking a biotin supplement. However, the study noted that biotin levels may remain higher than usual even up to 24 hours after taking a supplement. Due to this reason, healthcare providers may recommend discontinuing the use of biotin supplements for 48 hours before undergoing blood tests. This is to prevent any interference with the accuracy of laboratory test results.