What Are The Side Effects Of Too Much Biotin? Biotin is also referred to as vitamin B7 which is part of B vitamins. Consumption of higher dosages of biotin is accompanied by a fair share of its challenges. Below are some side effects of biotic overdose (consumption of biotin in higher dosages)
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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Biotin?
Acne
High amounts of biotin in the system can result in cystic acne either on the jawline or on the chin. This is because biotin increases sebum production in the skin, hence causing the accumulation of dirt and blockage of skin pores.
Though it has been observed that, the cystic acne that arises as a result of taking biotin fades away a few weeks after the biotin dosage has been suspended.
It is usually advisable to take less than 2500 mcg of biotin supplement each day with plenty of water. Taking plenty of water together with a biotin supplement reduces the probability of developing acne to a greater extent.
Frequent Urination
According to various sources taking higher dosages of biotin increases the need and urge to urinate. Also, consumption of biotin in higher dosages can result in unusual excessive sweating.
Diarrhea
It has been observed that high dosages of biotin supplements can make an individual suffer from stomach cramps and diarrhea. The best way to deal with this side effect is to stop the consumption of biotin supplements almost immediately.
Drug Interactions
High dosages of biotin supplements can cause drugs to work less effectively, for example, the use of biotin lowers the efficiency of certain medications such as anti-seizure and cholesterol-lowering drugs. It is also known to worsen the symptoms of diabetes.
It May Result in Eosinophilic Pleuropericardial Effusion (EPE)
Eosinophilic Pleuropericardial Effusion is a severe reaction that occurs when blood and air entering the pleural cavity space within the lungs cause a major pulmonary infection. Consumption of high dosages of biotin especially in women on vitamin B5 supplements can result in (EPE) which is a life-threatening condition.
Anaphylaxis
The use of higher dosages of biotin on a regular basis can result in acute respiratory problems or anaphylaxis. It is always advisable to consult a medical professional if you begin to experience respiratory problems such as difficulty in breathing after you have consumed biotin.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common complaints experienced by people who consume biotin especially during the initial stages of consumption. However, it is important to note that, this kind of nausea is usually mild and bearable.
It Can Interfere With Pregnancy
One of the greatest dangers of taking biotin during pregnancy is that it can interfere with the pregnancy and result in complications such as miscarriage. Pregnant women are advised to avoid taking higher dosages of biotin or consult their doctor before consumption of biotin.
It Can Increase Glucose Levels in Blood
A number of studies have indicated that the use of biotin increases the production of glucose and fatty acids in the body system. Hence the studies have recommended that biotin vitamins should not be consumed in higher dosages by people who are diabetic. From this finding, it is better to consult your doctor on the right dosage of biotin supplements if you are suffering from diabetes.
Biotin Supplement Can Result in Allergic Reactions
Though allergic reactions are not common for people who consume biotin according to Mayoclinic.org an online health resource there are reported cases of people suffering from allergies due to consumption of biotin supplements. The allergic reactions could be swelling of the throat, itchy rashes on any part of the body, tightness or pain in the chest and a feeling of nausea.
How Much Biotin is too much?
According to recommendations made by the American Food and Nutrition Board’s Dietary Reference Intake, biotin is non-toxic and has no side effects when taken in doses of 10 mcg or 10000 mcg. Also, a 2010 study published in the America Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that intake of 200000 mcg (200mg) of biotin per day had been well-tolerated in patients with hereditary disorders without any single side effect.
Though this may be above the daily requirement of 10000 mcg, the study notes that the consumption of 200000 mcg of biotin daily through foods and supplements is something that is highly unlikely. In other words, you can consume biotin up to 200000 mcg and beyond if you can.
Do Biotin Pills Make You Gain Weight?
According to a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the use of biotin pills can indeed make you gain weight. The study indicates that the use of biotin pills increases the amount of biotin in the body and these may also decrease the activity of an enzyme known as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) which converts excess calories into fats in the body.
The decrease in the activity of enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) may result in reduced synthesis of fat for storage as triglyceride as an energy source. Usually overweight and obesity are associated with elevated triglycerides- fat- and LDL- the ”bad cholesterol” both of which are risk factors for disease.
Can you Take 10000 mcg of Biotin a Day?
Yes, you can. According to Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, consumption of biotin per day can be up to 10000mcg with no side effects. It also notes that achieving 10000 mcg through normal food consumption may not be possible since the daily intake of biotin through foods is between 40 mcg to 60 mcg; hence you need supplements to hit the 10000 mcg mark.
- Healthy hair, skin, and nails for those low in Biotin and energy support supplement: Contains one 200 count bottle of Natrol Beauty Biotin 10000mcg Tablets for a 200-day supply
- Dietary supplement with a high amount of Biotin to support healthy hair, skin, and nails for those low in Biotin and energy metabolism.
- These Biotin tablets are also 100% vegetarian
- Adults, take one tablet, one time daily, with a meal.
- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration; this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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How Much Biotin is Safe to Take?
Any individual can begin taking biotin supplements at any time in their lives. However, it is important to consult your doctor before beginning the use of biotin supplements. It is also important to note that, the use of biotin supplements depends on the health condition of an individual and age. Every age group and health condition requires the administration of biotin supplements in different doses.
It is recommended for adults not to take more than 20-30 units of biotin supplements. However, there some health conditions that may require higher dosages of biotin, while others may require lower doses of biotin. For example in the treatment of candida Albicans, 500mg of biotin per day is prescribed while in the treatment of conditions such as hair loss 1500 mg of biotin is prescribed.
It is also important to know that biotin supplements usually come in three preparations i.e 10mcg, 50 mcg and 100 mcg. Below are the recommended biotin dosages that are safe to take, depending on your age and other factors such as pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Consider the following (These are just for the educational purpose, NOT in any way can be used without a doctor’s prescription):
0 to 12 months- 7mcg
1 to 3 years- 8 mcg
4 to 8 years- 12 mcg
9 to 13 years- 20 mcg
14 to 18 years- 25 mcg
19 to 25 years- 30 mcg
Above 25 years- 30 mcg
Pregnant women- 30 mcg
Breastfeeding women- 40 mcg
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY HAIR (1): As is a commonly used vitamin for healthy hair Biotin helps support and maintain healthy beautiful hair (1)
- SKIN & NAIL HEALTH SUPPORT (1): Biotin plays an important role in the health of your skin and also supports healthy nails so you can continue to look and feel your best (1)
- NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT (1): As part of the B Family of vitamins Biotin helps support a healthy nervous system and has other benefits as well (1)
- ENERGY METABOLISM: Your body uses B-Vitamins, like Biotin to help convert foods into cellular energy; (1) Nature’s Bounty Biotin vitamins may play an important role in helping maintain energy metabolism (1)
- FROM THE TRUSTED WELLNESS EXPERTS: Nature’s Bounty Biotin Softgels are a product of 50 years of dedication to quality consistency and scientific research to make vitamins and nutritional supplements of unrivaled excellence
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Biotin Benefits
Various studies have shown that biotin (Vitamin B7) has numerous benefits as far as the body-system functioning is concerned. Below are some of the benefits.
Can Help Improve Glucose Intolerance and Help Balance Blood Sugar
Biotin (vitamin B7), when combined with chromium, helps to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes type 2 or those with blood sugar levels that cannot be very well be controlled by prescription medicines. Biotin is able to regulate blood sugar levels because; it enhances the activity of insulin which is an important hormone in the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Biotin is needed in Building and repair of Muscles and Tissues
When body muscles and tissues are broken down either due to trauma or exercise B vitamins like vitamin B7 (biotin) enhances the building and strengthening of tissues and muscles that lead to growth. If taken in required doses it can also help to get rid of joint muscle inflammation, joint aches, and pain.
Enhances Thyroid and Adrenal Glands Function
Proper functioning of adrenal and thyroid glands is essential stimulation of various body activities such as sleep, pain perception, mood, hunger, erection, and energy. B vitamins like biotin are very necessary for supporting the functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands, any deficiency in these vitamins can result in the complication of adrenal and thyroid glands.
Supports maintenance of healthy skin, nails, and hair
Many studies have shown that the consumption of high doses of biotin (B7) can help to prevent hair loss and treat weak nails and make the skin supple. Lack of B vitamins such as B7 (biotin) may result in thinning and splitting of hair as well as brittleness. On the skin, lack of B vitamins can result in skin dryness and irritation.
Supports Body Metabolism
B vitamins like Vitamin B7 help to regulate the expression of genes that are crucial in metabolic functions. Vitamin B7 in combination with other B vitamins plays a very important role in converting the foods we eat into usable energy that supports a healthy metabolism.
Supports the cardiovascular system
Various studies have indicated that B vitamins like vitamin B7 play a major role in defending the heart against diseases such as heart attack, heart inflammation, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Also, vitamin B7 in combination with chromium can help to improve levels of ‘’good’’ HDL cholesterol in the body.
Supports Brain Function
B vitamins such as Biotins helps in enhancing various activities such as nerve signaling and neurotransmitter activity. They also influence brain functions such as memory and defend the brain against brain degenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Treatment of Biotin Overdose
Treatment of biotin overdose side effects is very important and it is usually advisable that it should be done as early as possible. Below are some of the successful ways of dealing with biotin overdose. Consider the following:
Stop intake of Foods with vitamins
It is advisable to stop the intake of foods rich in vitamins to avoid excess accumulation of vitamins that are responsible for the eruption of various side effects in the body.
Stop Intake of Biotin
The first medical advice you will be given by your physician is that in case you begin to experience severe symptoms after taking biotin supplements, is to stop the intake of biotin to reduce the flow of vitamins in the body system.
Taking plenty of water
Biotin as a vitamin is highly soluble in water; hence intake of plenty of water (more than 8 glasses) can dissolve the toxic substances and excess biotin in the body and in the process reducing overdose effects.
Administration of activated charcoal
When activated charcoal is used in the treatment of biotin overdose, the toxic substances within your stomach and excess biotins get stuck to the activated charcoal hence in the process, the overdose effect is reduced.
Gastric lavage
Gastric lavage is usually administered in extreme cases. In this method, a pipe is installed from the nostrils to the stomach and the tube washes the body with specific fluid. Through this process, all the excess biotin is washed out and excreted from the body.
