Biotin for hair growth?

 You will find biotin in almost all of the supplements and pills for hair growth. Social media users boast of its benefits in making their hair grow stronger and longer. But how true are these claims?

Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin of the B complex group. It is vitamin B7 or vitamin H. This water soluble vitamin is present in many common foods such as eggs, sweet potato, salmon, milk and almonds. It does important functions in the body by helping in the conversion of fats, carbs, and protein into energy. Thus, it helps at the cellular level of energy production. 

Biotin does have a role in the health of scalp and hair, reveal experts in the field. According to Purvika Patel, formulation chemist for Dermatology M:

“Biotin's involvement in protein synthesis and keratin (the key structural material of hair) production allows this vitamin to contribute to healthy nail and hair growth,” 

The daily requirements of this vitamin are minimal. The body needs just 30-100 micrograms per day for health. And a balanced and varied diet of an individual can easily fulfil this daily requirements of this vitamin. Annabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichology at Philip Kingsley says:

“A true biotin deficiency is very rare. But if your body is deficient in biotin, you may experience thinning hair and brittle nails,”

At this point the role of supplements comes in. But not until then.

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Does vitamin B7 help hair growth?

The causes of brittleness and splitting of hair are multiple. And biotin deficiency is just one of them. But it is also a rare cause of hair problems. Hence biotin supplements will not help if biotin deficiency is not the cause of the hair shedding. But yes, it will help if biotin deficiency is the root cause of hair loss and thinning. 

But it is advisable to first consult a medical expert. The doctor would check the biotin levels and also look for other nutritional deficiencies before deciding on it. 

If biotin deficiency is detected, NHS recommends having 900 micrograms or less of it per day in pill or supplements form. Excess is not harmful but clinical data on usefulness of it in hair problems relief is limited. Purvika opines:

“According to studies carried out to test the effect of biotin supplements on hair growth, results appear to show that little change occurs in healthy individuals. Only those who are low in this vitamin will find any improvements from taking supplements,” 

Other benefits

Simone Thomas, leading hair loss consultant and nutrition advisor states that though the vitamin might not help hair growth in healthy people, it does help in other ways:

Strengthens hair: Simone says:

"Biotin effectively increases hair strength and volume by stimulating the body’s natural keratin production.”

Protects hair: The expert adds:

“Biotin takes part in the synthesis of collagen, the protein that protects hair follicles from damage and helps prevent premature greying.” 

Promotion of scalp health: Further, Simone reveals:

"Biotin can also target scalp irritation and increase blood flow to the scalp — and as we all know, a healthy scalp is essential to maintaining healthy hair."

But results may take a few months. Annabel clarifies:

"Due to the nature of the hair growth cycle, and the fact that hair only grows half an inch a month, you should expect to see results after about three months,” 

“However, you may see positive changes to your nails before this.”

Also check other causes of hair loss including deficiency of iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and protein.