Can I Take Biotin Before I Get Pregnant?

Biotin is a B complex vitamin. It is water-soluble, so is not stored by the body and must be replenished regularly. If you plan on getting pregnant, taking biotin before becoming pregnant might help prevent biotin deficiency during pregnancy and possibly decrease the likelihood of birth defects.

Biotin

Your body gets energy by using enzymes to break down food. Enzymes are substances that create a chemical reaction, in this case turning food into energy. Biotin helps these enzymes break down certain components of food, particularly fats and carbohydrates.

Biotin is important for all people when it comes to breaking down food and turning it into something the body can use, but for a pregnant woman, biotin becomes all the more important for the health of her baby.

Biotin and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, biotin levels in a woman's body might decrease, which can increase the risk of birth defects, such as cleft palate, in a developing baby. The cause of low biotin levels during pregnancy might be due to the growing fetus' increasing need for nutrients from the mother.

Biotin deficiency might occur in as many as 50 percent of pregnant women. It is characterized by thinning hair or loss of natural hair color. Some people also might notice a red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as tingling in the arms and legs. Feeling very tired, depression and hallucinations also are symptoms of biotin deficiency.

Necessary Biotin

Adequate intake of biotin for both non-pregnant and pregnant 18 years and older is 30 mcg per day, but the dose that is safe for you might depend on different factors, like your age and health. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

Biotin Sources

You can get a good amount of biotin from foods like nuts, egg yolks, liver, whole grains, beans, bananas, sardines, cauliflower, and mushrooms. But if you are trying to get pregnant, you might need additional amounts to meet the needs of a growing fetus.

Your doctor might recommended that you take prenatal vitamins. Biotin, among other vitamins and minerals essential for pregnancy, is found in prenatal vitamins. You also can purchase biotin supplements at your local natural foods or vitamin store. Brewer's yeast and other nutritional yeasts also contain biotin.

More research is needed to confirm whether biotin supplements prevents birth defects. Despite this, your doctor might recommend that you take biotin since it is still considered safe and has little or no side effects.

Be sure to check with your doctor before stocking up on supplements. By working with your doctor both before and during your pregnancy, you might be able to prevent biotin deficiency and ensure an overall healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.