9 Biotin Side Effects To Look Out For
A member of the vitamin B family is biotin. It is a water-soluble vitamin also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. Our body uses biotin as part of the enzymes that aid in the breakdown of carbs and fats into energy.
The issue is that because our bodies cannot store water-soluble vitamins, we need to obtain them through the food that we consume.
We all desire well-groomed nails and thick hair. But our demanding way of life proves to be a significant obstacle. All you require is biotin to get over this obstacle.
If you consume enough biotin, you can have perfect skin, strong nails, and long hair. However, biotin side effects can also be very dangerous.
Biotin, which has been promoted as a wonder drug that can treat all of your cosmetic problems, helps support healthy nail and hair growth.
Taking huge amounts of the vitamin to get effects sooner has recently been popular. Unfortunately, this leads to several health issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand biotin’s negative effects before using them.
Today, we will be looking at some of the side effects associated with biotin.
Contents
Side Effects Of Biotin
The following are some of the side effects of biotin:
May Lead To Acne
Acne is the one thing we all fear. When used in large doses, one of the biotin’s worst negative effects is the potential development of cystic acne.
Sebum production is increased by biotin, which leads to an accumulation of filth, oil, and dirt on your face. If you get cystic acne, particularly on your jawline and chin, your biotin consumption may be to blame.
Once you stop taking biotin for a few weeks, the acne does start to clear up. However, it could also leave unsightly scars from acne, which nobody likes.
Biotin is similarly absorbed by your body to vitamin B5, which helps to prevent acne. Your body may become saturated with biotin if you consume too much of it, which could prevent your body from absorbing enough vitamin B5 and result in cystic acne developing on your face.
Although acne is not hazardous, it can have a bad effect on one’s self-esteem and can be rather unpleasant. Acne is probably not the most desired side effect if you started taking a biotin pill to improve your skin.
Digestion Problems
Digestive problems are common in biotin users. Supplemental biotin might result in diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on how you’re feeling after taking it because these problems can start to manifest rather early.
If you have stomach discomfort right away after taking biotin, you should think about discontinuing because these side effects can greatly slow you down and are a sure sign that your body isn’t responding well to the additional biotin consumption.
Intestinal problems brought on by biotin include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. To maintain a healthy digestive system, you may wish to cease taking the biotin supplement if you experience stomach problems while using it.
Allergic Reactions
There is a potential that some people who use biotin capsules could experience allergic reactions. Because we are all unique, so are how our bodies respond to biotin.
It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms after taking biotin pills. The allergic reactions could include:
- Swelling of throat and face
- Itchy rashes
- Chest pain
- Tightness in the throat
- Feeling of nausea
Biotin is not an exception to the rule that almost everything can cause allergic responses. While a rash is the common indication of an allergic reaction to biotin, other side effects can include throat and facial swelling, and nausea.
Before starting on a biotin supplement, it’s crucial to make sure you and your doctor have discussed supplement use. Allergic reactions can be dangerous if not treated by a medical professional.
Impacting Laboratory Results
Additionally, biotin may have an impact on test results. You run the danger of giving false negatives or false positives for a variety of different lab tests if you consume too much biotin. This may result in incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
Because of the danger that these misleading results can cause, several doctors even advise halting supplement usage before collecting lab results. When addressing health issues, the necessity of precise lab testing can be time-sensitive.
Difficulty Sleeping
Although there is no specific dosage advice for biotin, the NIH (National Institutes of Health) claims that anyone over the age of 18 should only take 35 mcg of biotin daily.
Therefore, if you recently started taking biotin pills and find that you are having trouble falling asleep or that your sleep pattern is being disturbed, it may be a side effect of biotin.
Here, stopping the supplements right away is the best course of action. If your sleep problems do not improve, you should see a doctor.
Rashes
Too much biotin can have other skin-related negative effects besides acne. If the immune system believes biotin is an outside substance, painful skin rashes may also develop.
In severe situations, rashes may include swollen blood vessels and are caused by allergic reactions to the supplement. Rashes are an adverse effect of having too much of this vitamin in the body.
Before incorporating it into your daily wellness routine, experts advise starting with a modest dosage and consulting a doctor to determine what dosage works best for you.
These painful skin lumps that are scratchy and red can continue for days. They can be extremely painful as well, especially when they are in delicate regions.
Biotin-related rashes resemble psoriasis and often cover the entire body. One of the most common adverse effects may also be accompanied by respiratory problems, neck swelling, and various medical issues.
Issues With Insulin Release
Biotin can make cells too resistant to insulin, which can result in high sugar levels. If this problem is left unattended, prediabetes and type two diabetes will eventually develop in people.
You can always see your doctor before taking the supplements if you have a history of diabetes in your family to avoid these excessive biotin adverse effects.
Thyroid And Kidney Issues
The research claims that biotin can reveal Graves’ illness and skew laboratory results by simulating the symptoms. In this illness, the thyroid gland begins to produce too many thyroid issues.
Kidney issues are one of the negative effects of biotin supplements. This happens when you take a higher than the recommended dose of biotin.
Negative Interactions With Other Medications
With drugs like anticonvulsants, biotin can have interactions. It might lessen their effectiveness or bring on additional adverse effects, such as increased stomach issues.
It is very important to discuss all of your supplements and medications with your doctor. Any interaction with medication has the potential to be dangerous to a patient.
Even while many people use biotin without any problems, it’s always crucial to consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual. They will then be able to offer you safer options if necessary.
Conclusion
A vitamin called biotin aids in the conversion of food into energy. When taken as recommended, biotin supplements are generally regarded as safe.
Overdoses of biotin have never been medically proven. However, if you take too much biotin, you can have excessive urine or thirst, trouble falling asleep, and stomach pain.
Contact your healthcare practitioner for advice if you’ve taken a lot of biotins or you could be suffering negative effects from taking too much. The majority of people heal naturally, but in more serious situations, supporting therapy could be required.
Additionally, consult your pharmacist or doctor to determine whether taking a biotin supplement is safe for you before beginning.