When it comes to maintaining a healthy body and vibrant appearance, biotin often takes center stage as a crucial player. This water-soluble B-vitamin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, has gained significant attention for its role in supporting various bodily functions. From promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails to aiding in metabolism, biotin offers a plethora of benefits that make it a popular addition to many dietary supplements and beauty products. 

Benefits of Biotin:

Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails: Biotin is often associated with promoting the health of our external features. It supports keratin production, a protein that forms the structural basis for hair, skin, and nails, helping to maintain their strength and appearance.

Metabolic Support: Biotin plays a vital role in converting food into energy by aiding in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It helps the body efficiently utilize nutrients for energy production.

Cell Growth and Repair: Biotin is crucial for cell growth and repair processes, contributing to the maintenance and regeneration of tissues throughout the body.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that biotin may play a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, although more research is needed to fully understand this potential benefit.

Vitamin Complexes Frequently Contain Biotin:

Biotin is often included in various vitamin complexes and dietary supplements to provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Some common vitamin complexes containing biotin include:

B-Complex Supplements: Biotin is frequently found in B-complex supplements, which contain a range of B-vitamins that collectively support energy production, nervous system health, and overall metabolism.

Hair, Skin, and Nails Formulas: Due to its positive impact on these beauty aspects, biotin is a key ingredient in supplements specifically designed to enhance hair, skin, and nail health.

Multivitamins: Many multivitamin supplements also include biotin as part of their formulation to ensure comprehensive nutritional support.

Lab Tests Affected by Biotin:

While biotin offers numerous benefits, it's important to be aware of its potential to interfere with certain laboratory tests, particularly those that use biotin-streptavidin technology. Biotin can skew the results of these tests, leading to inaccuracies. Some common lab tests that can be affected by biotin intake include:

Hormone Tests: Biotin interference can impact hormone tests, such as thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4), reproductive hormone tests (estradiol, testosterone), and certain tumor marker tests.

Cardiac Biomarkers: Biotin interference can also affect cardiac biomarker tests, potentially leading to incorrect results in tests measuring troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

Vitamin and Mineral Tests: Some tests that measure levels of vitamins and minerals can be affected by biotin interference, including tests for vitamin D and folate.

You can look at a full list of potential lab tests impacted by Biotin HERE.

To avoid potential inaccuracies, it's advisable to inform your healthcare provider about any biotin supplements you are taking before undergoing these tests.  Unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider you should stop taking Biotin one week prior to any lab tests to prevent abnormal test results.