If you are one of the millions suffering from mild to severe hair loss, otherwise known as alopecia, or you simply want longer and healthier hair, you might have been researching the options available to you. Many people are taking biotin supplements, as biotin is often regarded as the “hair growth vitamin.”

What is biotin exactly?

Biotin is a naturally occurring B-vitamin (vitamin B7), also referred to as vitamin H or co-enzyme R. It is produced naturally in the intestines and is also found in common foods such as leafy green vegetables and peanuts. According to available clinical literature, while biotin deficiency is rare due to the relatively low biotin requirement (about 30 mcg daily for a healthy adult), biotin supplements are frequently used to encourage hair growth.

Can biotin stop hair loss?

While it will not work for everyone, it will work really well for some. On the contrary to common belief biotin does not stimulate new hair growth. What it does however, it renews the roots and follicles of the hair that is already growing. As a result, you will quickly have thicker, fuller & much healthier hair which is often an optimal solution for those suffering from mild to moderate alopecia. If you have been suffering from severe baldness for years, biotin is not likely to resolve your issue.

Is biotin considered safe?

Yes, it is considered to be generally safe not only at levels typically found in food but even in high doses for most people. Adverse events are rare and mild. What this means to you is that in case you decide trying biotin for hair growth for a few months, the potential benefits largely outweigh the risks.

How much biotin should I take and how long should I use it for?

Most physicians recommend a starting dose of 500-700 mcgs of biotin per day, but it is not unusual to see starting doses of 1,000 mcgs. Since biotin has been found to be non-toxic and safe even in high doses many people take as much as 5,000 mcgs per day. It is not known however whether there are any benefits to taking higher doses than that. To see results biotin is recommended to be taken for a period of at least 3-6 months.

Biotin is one of several good vitamins to encourage hair growth. It is likely to produce healthier, thicker hair with the added benefit of stronger nails and improved skin. Be realistic about your expectations, as biotin will not re-grow a full head of hair that has been bald for years. Consider combining biotin in combination with other hair growth promoting vitamins.