Biotin (vitamin B7) supports hair, skin, nail, and energy metabolism.

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a cofactor for enzymes that metabolize fats, carbs, and proteins. True deficiency is rare, but people supplement it for hair, skin, and nail support, and to manage symptoms of biotinidase deficiency or certain neuropathies.
Only if you're biotin-deficient. For people with adequate biotin levels, supplementation has little to no effect on hair growth in controlled studies. Hair concerns are more often driven by iron, vitamin D, thyroid, or protein status.
Yes. High-dose biotin (5,000+ mcg) can falsely alter results for thyroid, troponin, hCG, and several hormone tests. Stop biotin at least 2 days (some labs recommend 3–5) before any blood test and tell your provider.
The RDA is 30 mcg/day. Hair-and-nails supplements typically contain 1,000–10,000 mcg (1–10 mg). Doses above 5,000 mcg are common in marketed products but rarely necessary. The exception is biotinidase deficiency or specific MS-related neuropathies, which use 100–300 mg/day under medical supervision.
Yes. Egg yolks, liver, salmon, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, and almonds are top sources. A varied diet easily covers the 30 mcg/day RDA. Raw egg whites contain avidin, which binds biotin and reduces absorption — but cooked eggs are fine.
Excess biotin is excreted in urine, so it's generally low-toxicity. The main concern is lab-test interference, especially troponin (heart attack diagnosis) and thyroid panels. Acne and skin breakouts have been reported anecdotally with high doses, possibly via interaction with B5 metabolism.
There's modest evidence — small studies show 2,500 mcg daily for 6 months improved nail thickness in people with brittle nails. The effect is gradual and most pronounced in those with marginal biotin status. Iron, zinc, and protein status also affect nail strength.
If biotin deficiency is the actual cause, hair regrowth typically takes 3–6 months. Hair grows about 1/2 inch per month, and existing hair quality reflects past months of nutrient status. Don't expect overnight results — and consider checking ferritin, vitamin D, and thyroid first.
Many products combine them, and they target different mechanisms (biotin: enzyme cofactor; collagen: amino acids for hair shaft and skin matrix). Pairing them is reasonable but address upstream causes (iron, protein, thyroid) first since deficiencies in those typically have larger effects.
At RDA-equivalent doses (30–35 mcg, included in prenatal vitamins), yes. Pregnancy actually increases biotin needs slightly. Avoid mega-doses (>1,000 mcg) during pregnancy unless directed by a clinician. Tell your OB if you take high-dose biotin since it can affect lab tests including hCG.
Avoid high-dose biotin within 2–3 days of any blood test (troponin, thyroid, hCG, vitamin D) due to interference. People taking valproate or anticonvulsants should consult a clinician, since these medications can lower biotin status and affect dosing.