Can You Supplement Biotin With A Multivitamin?

Biotin, one of the eight B vitamins, helps metabolize proteins and carbohydrates, as well as convert food to fatty acids and glucose. Also known as vitamin B-7, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that must be replaced daily because excess leaves the body through urine rather than getting stored for use later. However, a variety of foods contain biotin, and deficiencies are rare. If you need more biotin, your doctor may recommend a biotin or multivitamin supplement to ensure adequate intake.

Sources

Most healthy adults can get enough biotin in their diets without supplementation. Animal-based food sources include salmon, pork, cheese, eggs and liver. You also get biotin from carrots, bananas, yeast, avocados, raspberries, cauliflower, nuts, legumes and soy flour. A large egg, for example, provides 13 to 25 mcg of biotin, while an avocado provides 2 to 6 mcg. A 3-oz. portion of liver packs 27 to 35 mcg of biotin.

Signs of Deficiency

Symptoms of a biotin deficiency include hair loss, high cholesterol levels and a rash -- particularly around the eyes, nose and mouth. Other possible symptoms include fatigue, hallucinations and depression, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. While biotin deficiency isn't common, certain conditions make it more likely, including pregnancy, liver disease and the hereditary disorder known as biotinidase deficiency. Additionally, those on kidney dialysis and those who have undergone stomach surgery may need biotin supplementation.

Supplementation

If you suspect a biotin deficiency, consult your doctor about the right supplement and dosage for you. Although the Institute of Medicine has not established a tolerable upper limit for biotin, unnecessarily high intakes are not recommended. The adequate intake for biotin is 30 mcg for adults. Nutrients with an AI established in lieu of a recommended dietary allowance indicate that the Institute of Medicine has set an intake that will likely meet the nutritional needs of healthy individuals, although more data is needed.

Considerations

Egg whites contain a protein called avidin that interferes with biotin absorption, but only when eggs are eaten raw. Prolonged consumption of two or more raw egg whites may lead to a biotin deficiency, according to MedlinePlus.
Multivitamins, B Complex vitamins and biotin supplements contain varying amounts of biotin. While you can supplement biotin with a multivitamin, consult your doctor before combining biotin and multivitamin supplements. As a rule, avoid supplements that provide more than 100 percent of the recommended intake.