The 13 Best Biotin Supplements to Strengthen Your Hair, Skin, and Nails, Recommended by an RD

The 13 Best RD-Approved Biotin Supplements

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Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Our body needs this type of vitamin because it plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins, turning food into energy. However, our body can’t produce biotin on its own, so we need to get it from food or supplements.

The good news is that biotin is found in many common foods, including eggs, fish, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes. Most adults only need about 30 micrograms (mcg) of biotin daily. In my experience as a registered dietitian, true biotin deficiency is extremely rare. That said, if you’re experiencing thinning hair or brittle nails, taking biotin supplements may help. There’s also some evidence that biotin can improve your overall skin health.

Most commercially available biotin supplements provide far more than the recommended 30 mcg for adults daily. However, that’s okay. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, so anything your body doesn’t use is removed in your urine.

Still, in my experience helping clients choose supplements, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing all the different amounts and options can be. To help you find the best biotin supplement for your needs, I reviewed more than 20 brands, consulted several registered dietitians, and considered factors such as third-party testing, current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) certification, and ingredient quality. Here are the ones we recommend.

When to Consult Your Doctor

While biotin is generally considered safe (it’s water-soluble, so if you take in more than your body needs, the excess is removed in your urine), it’s still important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking a biotin supplement. For example, if you’re experiencing hair loss or brittle nails, it’s important to determine whether it’s caused by a biotin deficiency or another underlying health condition. Your doctor or healthcare provider can help find the cause of your hair loss and brittle nails and decide whether you actually need a biotin supplement.

Also speak with a doctor if you’re taking medication or managing chronic conditions like heart disease. Biotin can interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests, such as troponin (a test used to check for heart muscle damage, such as when a person has a heart attack). This can lead to inaccurate results, which could affect your treatment plan.

Finally, biotin supplements haven’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating specific medical conditions, so they shouldn’t replace advice from a medical professional.

biotin

Best Budget

Just Nutrients Biotin Gummies

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Gluten-, dairy-, soy-free
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • High dose may interfere with lab tests
  • 3 g added sugar per serving

Key Specs

  • Form: Gummy
  • Biotin per serving: 10,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 2 gummies
  • Third-party tested: Yes

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-dose biotin supplement, it’s hard to beat Just Nutrients Biotin Gummies. At around $10 for 100 gummies, it’s one of the most affordable options we could find. They’re gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs. They’re also gelatin-free, so they’re a good choice for people following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

These biotin gummies are manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility, ensuring they’re produced, processed, and packaged to high standards of safety and purity. They also contain 3 grams (g) of sugar per two-gummy serving, so keep this in mind if you prefer to minimize your sugar intake.

One downside of this supplement is that the high dose of 10,000 mcg (10 mg) may interfere with thyroid function tests and troponin tests (a test to see whether a person has had a heart attack). It’s best to stop taking high-dose biotin supplements if you plan on having blood work done.

pure encapsulations biotin

Best Capsule

Pure Encapsulations Biotin

Pros

  • Small capsules are easy to swallow
  • Only 1 capsule per dose
  • Non-GMO
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Sustainable packaging

Cons

  • Some users report upset stomach
  • Some users report worsening of acne

Key Specs

  • Form: Capsule
  • Biotin per serving: 8,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 1 capsule
  • Third-party tested: Yes

Of all the biotin supplements we reviewed, Pure Encapsulations Biotin stood out as the best biotin capsule for several reasons. First, reviewers note that these capsules are small and easy to swallow. Plus, a dose is only one capsule, which makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. This biotin supplement contains 8,000 mcg of biotin, making it a high-potency option. It is formulated to support metabolism and nail strength.

All Pure Encapsulations products are free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, and dairy. They’re also vegan-friendly, making them a great choice for all diets.

Pure Encapsulations products are also free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, and they contain no coating, shellacs, or unnecessary binders, fillers, or preservatives. This makes them ideal for people with sensitivities to additives and preservatives. They’re also tested for purity and potency by third-party laboratories such as Eurofins and Advanced Laboratories. This ensures that the supplements only contain what’s listed on the label.

Finally, we loved that Pure Encapsulations aims to reduce plastic consumption by removing unnecessary plastic packaging. Plus, they partner with TerraCycle to recycle packaging that isn’t accepted for municipal recycling. To recycle with TerraCycle, you create a TerraCycle account, collect your Pure Encapsulations supplement bottles, print a free shipping label, and send your box of collected supplement bottles to TerraCycle to be recycled.

carlyle fast acting liquid biotin

Best Liquid

Carlyle Fast Acting Liquid Biotin

Pros

  • No artificial sweeteners or flavors
  • Gluten-, wheat-, dairy-, and lactose-free
  • Vegan-friendly, non-GMO
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • No unflavored option
  • Contains tree nut (argan) ingredients
  • High dose may interfere with lab results

Key Specs

  • Form: Liquid
  • Biotin per serving: 10,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 1 dropper (1 mL)
  • Third-party tested: No
Unlike some of the other liquid biotin supplements on the market, this one doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, like sugar alcohols. This liquid biotin supplement may be easier to tolerate, since sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Liquid biotin supplements may be easier to consume for people who have difficulty swallowing pills. And because it’s liquid, you can easily adjust the dose by changing the amount you draw into the dropper. On the label for this supplement, you’ll see that the dose is measured in micrograms (mcg), not milligrams (mg). Biotin supplements use both units of measurement, so you might see “mg” or “mcg” on different supplement labels. It’s important to check and understand the difference, because 10,000 mcg is equivalent to 10 mg.

It’s also vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free from several common allergens. It comes in a natural berry flavor, which may make it more palatable for some people. Finally, all Carlyle Nutritionals products are produced in a CGMP-compliant and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic–certified facility. The manufacturing facility is also audited by the FDA. While not third-party tested, Carlyle Nutritionals products are tested for purity, potency, and composition in an in-house microbial lab.

And, like other high-dose biotin supplements, this product may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so you may need to stop taking it if you have upcoming bloodwork.

natures bounty hair skin nails gummies

Best Gummy

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to take
  • No artificial flavors or sweeteners
  • Dairy-, soy-, gluten-, fish-, and sodium-free
  • Appealing flavor (strawberry)
  • 1 serving is 2 gummies

Cons

  • Each serving has 2 g of added sugar
  • Contains gelatin, so not for vegans or vegetarians

Key Specs

  • Form: Gummy
  • Biotin per serving: 2,500 mcg
  • Serving size: 2 gummies
  • Third-party tested: No

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies are more affordable than a lot of the other biotin gummies on the market. They’re available at several online and in-person stores and are an easy-to-take option for those who can’t take pills.

These gummies are free from artificial flavors and sweeteners. The strawberry flavor makes them a supplement most people will enjoy taking. They’re also free from common allergens like dairy, soy, gluten, and fish, so they’re suitable for people with a wide range of dietary restrictions.

These gummies are specially formulated for hair, skin, and nail health. In addition to biotin, they contain vitamin C and vitamin E. Both of these vitamins may improve skin and hair health, according to research.

 However, the evidence for these vitamins improving skin and hair health is limited and of low quality. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of these vitamins on skin and hair health.

Because these gummies contain gelatin, they’re not suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. They also contain 2 g of sugar, which could be an issue for those watching their sugar intake. While these factors may deter some people from using this supplement, we still feel that it’s a solid choice. Reviewers said it’s effective for hair growth, nail strength, and skin improvement. People also note the gummies taste good and are easy to take.

biotin

Best Sugar-Free Gummies

Nature Made Zero Sugar Hair Skin Nails Gummies

Pros

  • Sugar-free
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Gluten- and aspartame-free
  • No synthetic dyes or artificial flavors

Cons

  • Contains 3 g sugar alcohols
  • Not third-party tested
  • Only one flavor

Key Specs:

  • Form: Gummy
  • Biotin per serving: 2,500 mcg biotin, 15 mg vitamin C, 6.8 mg vitamin E
  • Serving size: 2 gummies
  • Third-party tested: No

While biotin gummies are a popular choice, people watching their sugar intake may prefer a sugar-free option. We love Nature Made Zero Sugar Hair Skin Nails Gummies because they have no added sugar, are vegan-friendly, and contain no gluten or aspartame. They’re also free of synthetic dyes and artificial flavors, so they’re a good option for people who prefer to avoid these additives.

While these gummies are not third-party tested, Nature Made is a well-regarded and well-established brand, so we still feel comfortable including them on this list.

Keep in mind that these biotin gummies do contain sugar alcohols, which can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some people. However, the digestive effects of sugar alcohols are largely dependent on how much is consumed, with research showing that most adults can tolerate 20 to 50 g of sugar alcohols per day before experiencing digestive symptoms.

Since a dose of these gummies only contains 3 g of sugar alcohols, most people (with the exception of people with irritable bowel syndrome, who may be more sensitive to the effects of sugar alcohols) should tolerate them.

bulk supplements biotin 10000

Best Powder

Bulk Supplements Biotin Powder

Pros

  • Powder form allows for customizable dosing
  • Fewer ingredients than capsules
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • Difficult to measure
  • Slightly bitter taste
  • Does not dissolve easily

Key Specs

  • Form: Powder
  • Biotin per serving: 10,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 1 g (about 1/3 tsp)
  • Third-party tested: Yes

We didn’t find many powdered biotin supplements during our search, but this one stood out because the powder format allows for the customization of doses. It also contains just one additional ingredient — dicalcium phosphate (a filler) — making it a good choice for those seeking a shorter ingredient list. It’s also affordable compared with other powdered biotin, and it’s third-party tested and manufactured to CGMP standards.

There are a couple of downsides to using a powder over a capsule. First, it may be difficult to accurately measure the powder, which could lead to not taking the correct dosage. Since the product doesn’t come with a scoop, you’ll have to use a teaspoon instead. Also, some reviewers on Amazon noted that it has a slightly bitter taste and does not dissolve well. However, if you mix it into a smoothie, coffee, or juice, it will likely mask the bitter taste.

doctors best biotin

Best Vegan

Doctor’s Best Biotin

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten- and soy-free
  • Small pill is easy to take
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • 10,000 mcg dose may interfere with lab tests
  • Some people report no difference in hair, skin, or nails after use

Key Specs

  • Form: Veggie capsule
  • Biotin per serving: 5,000 mcg, also available in 10,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 1 capsule
  • Third-party tested: Yes

Doctor’s Best Biotin offers 10,000 mcg in a plant-based capsule that’s suitable for people following a vegan diet. While the price varies significantly depending on where you buy it, it was still one of the most affordable supplements we reviewed.

Doctor’s Best is transparent about its ingredients. All of its supplements are third-party tested and produced in a CGMP-compliant facility, ensuring that the product you receive is pure and contains only the listed ingredients.

One downside to this product is that the dosage is significantly higher than the adequate intake level of biotin, which is 30 mcg daily for most adults. While taking large doses of biotin likely isn’t dangerous — biotin is removed through the urine if you take more than your body needs — biotin supplements taken in doses of 10,000 mcg or above can interfere with lab tests.

However, this is the case with most of the biotin supplements available on the market.
biotin

Best Organic

MaryRuth’s Organic Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies

Pros

  • USDA organic
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Non-GMO
  • Also contains vitamins C & E
  • Nut-free
  • Certified B-Corporation

Cons

  • 4 g added sugars per serving
  • Only one flavor

Key Specs:

  • Form: Gummy
  • Biotin per serving: 2,500 mcg biotin, 15 mg vitamin C, 6.8 mg vitamin E
  • Serving size: 2 gummies
  • Third-party tested: Yes

In addition to being USDA organic certified, MaryRuth’s Organic Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies are third-party tested by Clean Label Project, ensuring they’re free from harmful contaminants. Plus, as a Certified B-Corporation, the company meets high standards for social and environmental responsibility.

We also love that because these gummies don’t contain gelatin, they’re vegan-friendly. They’re also nut-free, making them a safe option for people with nut allergies. They do contain 4 g of added sugars per two-gummy serving, so keep this in mind if you’re watching your sugar intake. Although many reviewers enjoy the strawberry flavor, it’s the only available option, so it may not appeal to people who don’t like strawberries.

biotin

Best With Minimal Ingredients

Thorne Biotin

Pros

  • Only 5 ingredients (including biotin)
  • Gluten-, dairy-, soy-, yeast-free
  • Serving size is 1 capsule
  • HSA/FSA eligible

Cons

  • Some reviews indicate a lack of effectiveness
  • Large capsules may be difficult to swallow

Key Specs

  • Form: Capsule
  • Biotin per serving: 8,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 1 capsule
  • Third-party tested: Yes

For those looking for a biotin supplement with a short ingredients list, Thorne Biotin has just five ingredients (including biotin). It’s gluten-, dairy-, soy-, and yeast-free, so it’s a good choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. While the brand doesn’t specify whether this supplement is vegan-friendly, it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

We loved that a dose is a single capsule, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. That said, some reviewers noted that the capsules were large and difficult to swallow, so keep this in mind if you struggle to swallow larger pills. Some also wrote that these biotin capsules did not help with hair loss or nail health. However, this is a common complaint with biotin supplements and not specific to this product.

They’re health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) eligible, too, so you may be able to try them for a relatively low cost.

nutrafol women

Best for Hair Growth

Nutrafol

Pros

  • Clinically studied for hair growth
  • Drug-free ingredients
  • Gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free
  • Free from hormones, artificial additives
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • 4-capsule dose
  • Takes 3–6 months of consistent use to see results
  • Pricey

Key Specs

  • Form: Capsule
  • Biotin per serving: 3,000 mcg
  • Serving size: 4 capsules
  • Third-party tested: Yes
Nutrafol has been clinically studied and shown to improve hair health and hair loss in men and women. One study published in 2022 included 47 men and 51 women with thinning hair from various ethnic backgrounds. After 24 weeks of taking Nutrafol daily, 83.7 percent of men and 79.5 percent of women saw significant improvements in hair growth, coverage, density, and volume.

However, this may be due to the other ingredients in the supplement, as a study published in 2024 found that biotin as a hair supplement is not supported by high-quality research.

If you sign up for a subscription, you also get access to wellness coaching with a naturopathic doctor and a Headspace (meditation app) subscription. It also includes hair mineral analysis testing, but since this is not a reliable test compared with blood tests, we don’t count it as a “pro.”

While Nutrafol contains less biotin than some of the higher-dose biotin supplements (which can contain up to 10,000 mcg of biotin), this means it’s less likely to interfere with the results of some blood tests. However, it’s still best to stop taking biotin supplements before getting blood tests, regardless of the dose.

Nutrafol is manufactured in a CGMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility. The final products are tested in-house and at a third-party laboratory to ensure that the supplement contains only what is listed on the label.

now solutions hair skin nails

Best for Nails

NOW Hair, Skin & Nails Capsules

Pros

  • Contains other vitamins and minerals to support nail health
  • Contains Cynatine HNS (keratin from sheep’s wool)
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Third-party tested
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • 3-capsule serving size
  • Contains soy
  • Contains beef gelatin

Key Specs

  • Form: Capsule
  • Biotin per serving: 300 mcg
  • Serving size: 3 capsules
  • Third-party tested: Yes
In some cases, brittle nails can indicate a biotin deficiency. We chose NOW Hair, Skin & Nails Capsules as the best biotin supplement for nails because it contains 300 mcg of biotin as well as Cynatine HNS, a type of keratin derived from sheep’s wool, which has been shown in a small study to improve the strength and appearance of nails.

In one study, Cynatine HNS improved the strength and appearance of nails. However, this study included only 50 people, so it was relatively small. Further research is needed to confirm these effects.

That said, some research suggests that biotin supplementation of 5,000 mcg to 10,000 mcg daily for 3 to 6 months may improve nail firmness and hardness.

All NOW products are manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility, meaning they’re produced under strict quality control standards, ensuring consistency, safety, and compliance with FDA supplement regulations. This product contains beef gelatin, so it’s not for vegans or vegetarians — but NOW does have a similar product that is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

biotin

Best for Skin

Nutricost Multi Collagen Hair, Skin & Nails Formula

Pros

  • Contains collagen, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
  • Non-GMO
  • Manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility

Cons

  • Not vegan-friendly
  • Some people don’t like the flavor

Key Specs

  • Form: Powder
  • Biotin per serving: 5,000 mcg biotin, 180 mg vitamin C, 15 g collagen from bovine, chicken, marine sources, 120 mg hyaluronic acid
  • Serving size: 1 scoop (16 g)
  • Third-party tested: Yes
While many studies on collagen’s effects on skin health include multinutrient supplements, some have examined collagen alone. For example, a study published in 2023 found that taking 1,650 mg of collagen peptides daily for 12 weeks improved skin hydration and elasticity, reduced dryness and flaking, and minimized the appearance of wrinkles.

We chose Sports Research Collagen Beauty Complex because, in addition to biotin, it contains several ingredients that research has shown to promote skin health, such as collagen peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is part of all the connective tissues and organs in the body. While hyaluronic acid is often used topically to improve skin appearance, less is known about the effects of oral hyaluronic acid on wrinkles and skin moisturization. A balanced diet containing healthy fats, lean proteins, and fiber is also important for glowing skin.

Nutricost supplements are manufactured in a CGMP-compliant facility and are third-party tested, ensuring quality, purity, and potency. While some people noted they didn’t like the flavor of this supplement, that could be masked by adding it to a smoothie or juice instead of water.

webber naturals collagen 30 with hyaluronic acid

Best With Collagen

Webber Naturals Collagen30 With Biotin

Pros

  • Contains Verisol collagen peptides
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten-, dairy-, sugar-free
  • Third-party tested

Cons

  • 3-tablet dose
  • Not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly
  • High biotin dose may be too much for those without a deficiency

Key Specs

  • Form: Tablet
  • Biotin per serving: 5,000 mcg biotin, 2,500 mg collagen
  • Serving size: 3 tablets
  • Third-party tested: No
The type of collagen this supplement contains (Verisol collagen peptides) has been shown to support skin elasticity and hydration and reduce wrinkles within one month, with even more pronounced results after two months.

Webber Naturals Collagen30 With Biotin is free from common allergens and non-GMO, and it’s gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free. Webber Naturals products are tested for quality and safety at several steps through the production process. Each ingredient must meet high standards for potency and purity.

This supplement contains 5,000 mcg of biotin, which may make it less likely to interfere with blood tests (doses of 10,000 mcg or above can interfere with blood tests). However, if you plan on having blood tests done, it’s generally best to stop taking biotin supplements beforehand.
Superlative
Form
Biotin per serving (mcg)
Serving Size
Third-party Tested
Best budget
Gummy
10,000
2 gummies
Yes
Best capsule
Capsule
8,000
1 capsule
Yes
Best liquid
Liquid
10,000
1 dropper (1 mL)
No
Best sugar-free gummies
Gummy
2,500
2 gummies
No
Best powder
Powder
10,000
1/3 tsp
Yes
Best vegan
Capsule
5,000
1 capsule
Yes
Best with minimal ingredients
Capsule
8,000
1 capsule
Yes
Best for hair growth
Capsule
3,000
4 capsules
Yes
Best for nails
Capsule
300
3 capsules
Yes
Best with collagen
Tablet
5,000
3 tablets
Yes

How We Chose the Best Biotin Supplements

When selecting the best biotin supplements, I evaluated more than 20 brands. I chose to focus on factors that impact the safety and quality of supplements, such as brand reputation, third-party testing, whether the products contained evidence-based ingredients, and whether they were produced in CGMP-certified facilities. I also considered whether supplements were free from major allergens, such as dairy, gluten, soy, and fish.

I consulted two other registered dietitians to get their insights into the pros and cons of taking a biotin supplement as well as any side effects to be aware of.

As a registered dietitian with more than eight years of experience in the field, I’m qualified to evaluate these products based on several years of experience researching and recommending dietary supplements to patients.

What to Look for When Buying Biotin Supplements

If you’re considering buying biotin supplements, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that meets your specific needs. Here are a few key features to look for when making your decision:

  • Dose Contrary to popular belief, more isn’t necessarily better. While biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that gets removed in our urine if we take too much, why take more than you need if you don’t have to? Most people only need about 30 mcg of biotin per day. If you have a known biotin deficiency, you will likely need more. However, this should be discussed with your doctor.

  • Other Ingredients If you’re specifically looking for a biotin supplement that supports hair and nail growth or skin health, choose one that also contains ingredients that may help in these areas, such as collagen.
  • Brand Reputation Choose brands that are well-known for their quality, safety, and transparency.
  • Third-Party Testing This ensures that the supplements you choose have been verified for purity and potency and don’t include anything that’s not listed on the label.
  • Allergen-Free If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure the product is free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, and fish.
  • Form Consider which form you’re most likely to take consistently, whether it be capsules, tablets, or chewable gummies.
  • Price Compare the cost per serving to ensure you’re getting good value for a high-quality product.

What Are the Benefits of Taking a Biotin Supplement?

According to Chris Mohr, RD, PhD, and exercise physiologist at Fortune Recommends Health, there are some benefits to taking a biotin supplement, particularly if you’re deficient. “Biotin is great for improving hair, skin, and nail health,” he explains, “because it helps produce keratin, which strengthens them.” He notes that it also helps metabolize fats, carbs, and proteins, which gives your body energy.

Certain groups of people have a higher risk of biotin deficiency. This includes people with biotinidase (an enzyme) deficiency. This rare genetic disorder prevents the body from releasing free biotin, which can lead to a deficiency even if you’re getting enough biotin from your diet. All newborns in the United States are screened for this disorder. People who drink a lot of alcohol and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding also have a higher risk of biotin inadequacy. In these cases, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting biotin supplementation, as other vitamins and minerals may need to be supplemented as well.

Who Shouldn’t Take a Biotin Supplement?

“If your diet is already balanced,” says Dr. Mohr, “adding biotin might not be necessary, since deficiencies aren't common.” In other words, while some studies do show that biotin can improve hair, skin, and nail health, it's typically when a person is deficient in biotin. People getting enough biotin through their diet may not see noticeable improvements in their hair, skin, and nails by taking a biotin supplement.

According to Gianna Masi, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist at BarBend in Nashville, Tennessee, taking high-dose biotin supplements can also interfere with certain lab tests, such as thyroid and heart health markers like troponin. For this reason, she recommends disclosing if you're taking biotin supplements to your healthcare provider.

FAQ

Are there any side effects of taking biotin?
According to Mohr, biotin is usually safe. However, he notes that taking extremely high doses of biotin (over 10,000 mcg/10 mg per day), especially if you don’t have a biotin deficiency, may cause side effects. “It can cause digestive issues like nausea, cramping, or diarrhea,” he explains, “and affect the results of some lab tests.” Masi notes that in some cases, high doses of biotin can also cause a skin rash or acne.
“Most people get enough biotin from food,” says Masi, “but if you’re deficient in biotin, it can help skin and nails.” Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, it doesn’t remain in the body for long, and Masi advises that it can be taken daily. She notes that the recommended daily intake is 30 mcg for healthy adults and that further research is needed to determine whether higher doses are effective at improving hair, skin, and nail health in people without a biotin deficiency.
There isn’t much research on whether biotin supplements interact with medications. Research shows that people taking anticonvulsant medications like carbamazepine and phenobarbital have higher biotin needs because these medications reduce biotin absorption. There are no known herbal supplements that interact with biotin. Overall, biotin is a safe supplement because the excess is removed in the urine. That said, biotin supplementation is unlikely to be necessary unless you have a biotin deficiency, which is rare.
Many common foods contain biotin, but two foods in particular are high in B7 (biotin): chicken liver and beef liver. Three ounces (oz) of chicken liver contains 460 percent of the Daily Value, while three oz of beef liver contains 100 percent. Other good sources: one whole cooked egg (33 percent), 3 oz of salmon (17 percent, ¼ cup of peanuts (16 percent), 3 oz of pork chop (13 percent), 3 oz of ground beef (13 percent). Sunflower seeds, almonds, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes are also good sources.

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Sarah is a registered dietitian and accomplished health and nutrition writer known for her expertise in crafting engaging content. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in nutrition...

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EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. January 15, 2021.
  2. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. January 10, 2022.
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  • McSeveney M. FDA in Brief: FDA reminds patients, health care professionals and laboratory personnel about the potential for biotin interference with certain test results, especially specific tests to aid in heart attack diagnoses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 5, 2019.
  • A Look at Biotin-Rich Foods. Cleveland Clinic. February 25, 2025.
  • Bistas KG et al. Biotin. StatPearls. July 3, 2023.