Q: I have found that 5,000 micrograms of biotin daily is a miracle drug for my weak, brittle fingernails. My dermatologist recommended this.
Also, because of previous skin cancer, I wear sunscreen whenever I am outside. My family doctor told me to take 2,000IU of vitamin D3 to get my level up to the normative range. I am a healthy, active man, so I plan to continue with my current supplements.
A: Thank you for sharing your experience with biotin, a B vitamin. The federal Office of Dietary Supplements notes that an adequate daily intake of biotin for adults is 30mcg. It goes on to state: “Signs of biotin deficiency include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails. Therefore, biotin supplements are often promoted for hair, skin, and nail health. However, these claims are supported, at best, by only a few case reports and small studies.”
Even though you are taking a high dose of biotin, this nutrient appears quite safe. That said, it can interfere with some lab tests. Biotin artificially lowers the results of TSH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D tests. If you ever need to have blood drawn, make sure the lab knows you are taking biotin.
– By Joe and Teresa Graedon
– Copyright The Seattle Times