If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, nutrition is important for your health and the growth and development of your unborn child. Deficiencies in certain vitamins can cause birth defects. There is not enough clinical data to suggest that you need to take biotin while pregnant, so discuss any concerns with your obstetrician.
Prenatal Supplements
According to the American Pregnancy Association, certain vitamins and minerals are critical for fetal growth and development. The most common vitamin supplements taken during pregnancy are iron, calcium and folic acid. A folic acid deficiency can cause birth defects. Your doctor will make an assessment and determine if you have low levels of any vitamins and typically will include those vitamins with your general prenatal supplement to assure that you and your baby have enough nutrients.
Biotin
Biotin is part of the B complex family, which includes seven other B vitamins. B vitamins work together to support healthy red blood cells and help your body function optimally. Your body uses biotin to digest carbohydrates, fats and protein from your diet, so you can use these nutrients as fuel. Biotin helps your nervous system function properly and helps support healthy nails and hair.
Biotin Deficiency
Your doctor typically will recommend biotin supplements if you are deficient, but according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin deficiency is rare. Symptoms include hair loss, fatigue, appetite loss and dry skin.
Sources and RDA
Egg yolks are biotin-rich, and other biotin sources include nuts, sardines, bananas, nut butters, legumes, mushrooms and cauliflower. According to the UMMC, you require 30 micrograms daily during pregnancy and 35 if you are nursing.
Safety
According to MedlinePlus, biotin supplements likely are safe to take during pregnancy, but it is important to consult your doctor before taking them. All vitamins supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications, although biotin has not been associated with side effects, even in high doses, according to the UMMC. Long-term antibiotic or anticonvulsant medication use can decrease your biotin levels.
Consideration
A study published in the April 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that 50 percent of pregnant women have an increased secretion of an enzyme that might reflect low biotin levels, but the study notes that it could be a normal effect of pregnancy. If you are concerned, ask your doctor to monitor your biotin levels during pregnancy.
References
- American Pregnancy Association; Prenatal Vitamins; October 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin H (Biotin); Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2009
- MedlinePlus; Biotin; November 2008
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Marginal Biotin Deficiency During Normal Pregnancy; Donald M Mock; April 2004
