Biotin is an excellent supplement to help with brittle hair and nails and the skin condition of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). We receive excellent reports for these conditions from patients taking our Collagen Hair, Skin, & Nails supplement. However, be aware that recent studies demonstrate that high doses of supplemental biotin may alter blood lab testing (although the amount is much higher than what is in our product, so there is no concern for those taking Collagen Hair, Skin, & Nails).
At a recent meeting for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, researchers reported concerns that high dose biotin at 5 mg or more can alter lab testing. This is especially true of thyroid testing, where high dose biotin can falsely elevate lab values for thyroid hormones (T4 and T3, and lower TSH, a marker released by the pituitary gland). Other research suggests that high-dose biotin supplementation may also alter different hormone results such as testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol.
For some labs, high-dose biotin does not alter test results. It is expected that labs will be able to run tests without patients having to stop high dose biotin supplementation in the future.
If you are taking 5 mg or more of biotin daily, it is recommended to stop taking the supplement for at least 3 days before your blood draw. Many lab experts recommend discontinuing high-dose supplementation for up to a week before blood work.
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
Biotin: Good for Hair and Nails, Bad for Thyroid Lab Tests. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/974203#vp_1. Published 2022.
Li D, Ferguson A, Cervinski M, Lynch K, Kyle P. AACC Guidance Document on Biotin Interference in Laboratory Tests | AACC.org. Aacc.org. https://www.aacc.org/science-and-research/aacc-academy-guidance/biotin-interference-in-laboratory-tests. Published 2020.
