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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Biotin Tablet A Steroid?

Is biotin tablet a steroid? I have been taking biotin 1000 mcg (1 or 2 tables per day) for 3 months, and want to continue to have it, but don t know if I need to change 5000mcg and take 1 table per day?BTW, do I need to have other supplement at same time to cure hair loss problems? Thanks, Susan
Wed, 27 May 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Susan, Hi

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the hair loss and its treatment with Biotin.

Biotin is NOT A STEROID but a water soluble vitamin (B complex) that is found in almonds, pea nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, tomatoes & carrots.

Basically used for preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight loss.
It is also used orally for hair loss, brittle nails, & skin rash in infants.

To be more effective in reducing the hair fall, it has to be taken along with Zinc supplementation.
Raw egg whites contain a protein avidin which prevents the absorption of biotin, hence to be avoided eating RAW eggs.

The recommended dose for adults is 30 mcg/day, even at higher doses, it seems to be well tolerated.
Biotin is a safe and nontoxic vitamin.
It has not been associated with any serious side effects, even in larger doses.

Hope this answers your query.
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Is Biotin Tablet A Steroid?

Dear Susan, Hi Thanks for posting your query on HCM. I appreciate your concern for the hair loss and its treatment with Biotin. Biotin is NOT A STEROID but a water soluble vitamin (B complex) that is found in almonds, pea nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, tomatoes & carrots. Basically used for preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight loss. It is also used orally for hair loss, brittle nails, & skin rash in infants. To be more effective in reducing the hair fall, it has to be taken along with Zinc supplementation. Raw egg whites contain a protein avidin which prevents the absorption of biotin, hence to be avoided eating RAW eggs. The recommended dose for adults is 30 mcg/day, even at higher doses, it seems to be well tolerated. Biotin is a safe and nontoxic vitamin. It has not been associated with any serious side effects, even in larger doses. Hope this answers your query. Rate this answer, if you are convinced.