Like the rest of the B vitamins, biotin plays a role in the conversion of food to energy. A deficiency is quite rare, as your body can manufacture this nutrient on its own, and you would unlikely require supplementation for this purpose. Purported uses for supplemental biotin include improving the health of the hair and nails, treating infant seborrheic dermatitis, or "cradle cap," in infants, improving blood sugar levels and managing diabetes-related nerve damage. Research supports these therapeutic applications, but not enough exists to make any firm conclusions. Some dosage guidelines have been established, but if you have an interest in using biotin to address a particular health concerns, see your doctor for guidance on a suggested dose and other information on safe use.
Dosage Guidelines
The University of Michigan Health System reports one study that found 16,000 mcg of biotin daily reduced blood sugar levels 50 percent in type 1 diabetics Another found 9,000 mcg daily reduced blood sugar levels and pain from diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetics; the University of Michigan Health System notes doctors sometimes use a dose anywhere from 9,000 mcg to 16,000 mcg in this instance. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports a suggested dosage of 6,000 mcg daily -- consumed by a nursing mother -- to treat infant seborrheic dermatitis and 3,000 mcg daily for brittle nails. The University of Michigan notes, however, that more severe cases of cradle cap might require 10,000 mcg. If you are breastfeeding, always check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Biotin and Seizure Medications
Beth Israel also notes reports that suggest taking biotin in doses equaling the suggested daily intake might benefit individuals taking anti-seizure medications, as they can deplete biotin levels. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes the suggested biotin intake from diet as follows: children aged 9 to 13, 20 mcg; children 14 to 18, 25 mcg; adults 19 and over and pregnant women, 35 mcg; breastfeeding women, 35 mcg.
While supplementing with biotin might benefit you if you take anti-seizure medications, taking the vitamin and the medicine too close together could interfere with the actions of the drug. Take the supplement at least two or three hours before or after the medication. Talk to your doctor before supplementing in this instance, and avoid doses larger than the recommended daily intake through diet.
Other Instances of Biotin Deficiency
Antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria, but the good bacteria as well, including the kind in the intestines that manufacture biotin. If you take antibiotics long term, you might need a biotin supplement. If you drink a lot of alcohol, have any medical condition that affects the stomach or eat large quantities of raw egg whites, you might have insufficient levels of this nutrient. Talk to your doctor about the need for biotin supplements in these instances and a suggested dosage.
Other Considerations for Use
Biotin appears a generally safe supplement. If you have liver or kidney disease, always clear the use of supplements with your doctor, as these organs -- particularly when operating at a reduced capacity -- have a particular sensitivity to what you put into your body. The University of Michigan notes a biotin deficiency -- which can occur in up to 50 percent of pregnant women -- can result in birth defects and advises pregnant women to use a prenatal vitamin that contains biotin. Do not, however, individually supplement with biotin or any other nutrient in larger amounts than is already present in these formulations without talking to your doctor first.
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