BIOTIN, HOW IT IS USEFUL AND WHAT SIDE EFFECTS IT CAN CAUSE
Today, biotin can be bought at any pharmacy. It is important to know that biotin or vitamin B7, if dosed incorrectly, can cause certain side effects.
Article by ISSA Certified Fitness and Nutrition Specialist - TANYA CHOUDHARY , MAY 03, 2018
Okay, let's be direct. Do you trust the supplements you take? Of course yes, otherwise, why then do we try so hard to buy them and take them regularly? Today about biotin, in the world of health and beauty, only the lazy does not talk. But does biotin have side effects?
Let's dive into the world of biotin and find out if there are any adverse effects from taking this vitamin?
BIOTIN - AT A GLANCE
Biotin (or vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods such as almonds, whole grains, eggs, sardines, pecans, dried fruits, cucumber, oats, strawberries, cauliflower, cow's milk, and brewer's yeast.
Well known as vitamin H or B7, biotin has become quite popular in recent times and is found everywhere in various vitamin formulas. It is sold under a lot of names such as Appearex, Vitamin H, Vitamin B7, Biotin, Biotin, and Coenzyme R.
Although biotin is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body system, an overdose can lead to certain medical complications. It is recommended that you carefully review the supplements you are taking to avoid any adverse reactions. If you're interested but don't know where to start, don't worry. Here we look at the most common side effects of biotin. Are you ready to find out?
10 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIOTIN
While biotin is a safe vitamin, it's best to stick to the recommended dose. In any case, it is useful to know what are the side effects of biotin. We look:
1. May Cause Acne
An excess of biotin in the body can cause acne on the chin and jaws.
This vitamin increases the production of oil in the sebaceous glands of the skin, which contributes to inflammation and the accumulation of dirt in the pores. Some studies have noted that acne clears up as early as a few weeks after stopping biotin supplementation.
It is better to take less than 2500 micrograms per day. Also drink more water while consuming biotin, as this will help reduce your risk of acne.
2. May Cause an Allergic Reaction
Some people may suffer from allergies when taking biotin supplements.
Allergic reactions of this kind are not that common, but there have been cases where people have actually suffered from it. An allergic reaction can be nausea, swelling of the throat and face, the appearance of itchy rashes on the body, tightness or pain in the chest.
If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming biotin, then you need to contact your doctor immediately.
3. Unwanted effects during pregnancy
One of the most serious negative effects of biotin can be the effect on the body of a pregnant woman. Pregnant women should avoid taking large doses of biotin. This vitamin may increase the risk of miscarriage. Although no human experiments have been done to fully confirm this effect, it is always best to consult your doctor before taking biotin during pregnancy.
4. Diuretic effect
According to some clinical trials, it has been observed that at a higher dosage of biotin, it can cause an increase in the need to urinate. An increase in sweating levels has also been observed due to high doses of biotin.
5. Can cause diarrhea
Individuals taking higher doses of biotin may also experience cramps and diarrhea. When such a condition is observed, it is best to immediately stop the consumption of biotin!
6. Nausea
Many people who take biotin supplements complain of mild nausea at the initial stage of taking biotin. Over time, this side effect tends to decrease.
7. May Increase Blood Glucose Levels
Studies have shown that biotin supplementation is not recommended for diabetic patients as this vitamin increases the production of glucose and fatty acids in the body.
It's best to check with your doctor to ensure you don't overdo your biotin dose, especially if you have diabetes.
8. Reduces the effect of certain medications
Biotin has a negative effect on anti-adhesion and cholesterol-lowering treatments. A high dosage of biotin supplements can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of these drugs. It can also affect the symptoms of diabetes.
9. Risk of eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion
There has been a fairly rare condition in women taking biotin supplements along with vitamin B5, with a rather cumbersome name - eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion. This is a chemical reaction that occurs with blood and air, which are located in the space of the pleural cavity near the lungs. In the future, it can cause a serious lung infection, which can later turn into a life-threatening condition.
10. Sometimes Contributes to Acute Respiratory Problems
Some people taking high doses of biotin can cause acute respiratory problems or anaphylaxis. In this case, see a doctor as soon as possible.
WHAT TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU USE BIOTIN
The side effects listed above sound a bit scary, but they won't affect you if you take biotin in the right order and at the right time. Feel free to take biotin and follow the guidelines below to take advantage of all the health benefits biotin has to offer. So:
- Give the cells of your body enough moisture. Drinking about two liters of water a day will help reduce the negative effects of biotin on the body.
- Refrain from alcohol, avoid smoking and especially drugs. Alcohol is known to dehydrate the human body, and this will lead to a loss of biotin.
- Try not to eat more than two eggs a day.
- If you are just starting to take biotin, it is best to start with low doses and then gradually increase them.
- Do not take biotin on an empty stomach - it is very important to take biotin with food, no matter what time you take it.
- Try not to become too dependent on biotin supplements. It is very important to get biotin, if possible, from the right foods.
- Nutritionists recommend taking biotin in combination with other vitamins in order to avoid an imbalance of vitamins in the body.
- Don't try to play doctor. Try to get advice from good specialists before you start taking biotin. Consult with your doctor and discuss all the main points of your body's health with him, which will help the doctor prescribe the correct doses of biotin for you. If you encounter any side effects, be sure to consult a doctor.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGES OF BIOTIN
There is no problem in starting to take biotin supplements at any time, however, experts definitely recommend doing this only after talking with your doctor. It is very important to adhere to certain dosages, as age and general health can greatly affect the absorption of biotin by the body. If the dosage is exceeded, then this can lead to the side effects mentioned earlier.
On average, an adult should not exceed a dose of 20-30 mcg per day. In some cases, doctors may recommend a higher dose, and in some cases, a lower one. For example, about 500 mg of biotin per day is prescribed in the treatment of candidal albicans.
Biotin supplements are usually available in three versions - 10 mcg, 50 mcg and 100 mcg. Less often - 25 mcg.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGES:
- 0 to 12 months - 7 mcg
- from 1 to 3 years - 8 mcg
- from 4 to 8 years - 12 mcg
- from 9 to 13 years - 20 mcg
- from 14 to 18 years - 25 mcg
- 19 years and older - 30 mcg
- Pregnant women - 30 mcg
- Nursing mothers - 35 mcg
By the way, if you want to have long and healthy hair that people like so much, then biotin is a great helper in this! Feel free to use biotin, but stick to the instructions.
Keep fit and stay healthy!