Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is commonly referred to as vitamin H. It plays significant roles in cellular metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. Biotin is also essential for a healthy nervous system, as well as for healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. Biotin deficiency results in fatigue, depression, hair loss, muscle pains, nausea and anemia. However, an overdose of biotin vitamin can cause adverse side effects. For this reason, do not take biotin vitamin more than recommended.
Drug Interactions
No toxic and adverse side effects are currently known. Biotin does not interact with any medication, but certain medications appear to deplete natural levels of biotin in the body. For example, bacteria in the intestines produce biotin. Long-term treatment with antibiotics may decrease this bacterial synthesis of biotin, thus causing biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency, however, can be corrected with dietary biotin supplements.
Toxic Effects
Excess amounts of biotin can be toxic or harmful to your body. Since excess biotin is easily excreted through sweat and urine, your body can get rid of any excess before it has time to do harm. However, if there is an overdose of biotin in your body, you may experience increased urination and excessive sweating.
Birth Defects
Too much biotin vitamin taken during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, says the North Carolina State University. Overdosing on biotin can be harmful to the developing fetus. It adds up to a toxic effect for the fetus, preventing its normal growth and development. The risk of birth defects is higher for women with a family history of birth defects. If you are pregnant, do not take biotin without physician supervision.
Eosinophilic Pleuropericardial Effusion
The effects of taking biotin vitamin and vitamin B-5 together can be dangerous. It can lead to a life-threatening condition called eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion. However, only one case report exists of eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion occurring after high-dose vitamin H treatment in an older woman.
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