How to Use Biotin (Vitamin B7)?

How to Use Biotin (Vitamin B7)?

Biotin use has become popular in recent years, especially due to its effects on skin and hair health, and is therefore a frequently researched topic. Also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, biotin is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. This vitamin, which is found in various foods, may be insufficient in the body due to insufficient consumption of these foods or due to certain health problems. In this case, many health problems, especially skin, hair and nail health, may arise. You can find the answers to your questions such as “How is biotin used?” and “How long should biotin be used?” in the rest of our content

What are the Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency?

Insufficiency of the biotin vitamin can cause various symptoms in the body. The likelihood of symptoms increases, especially in severe deficiencies. Symptoms that may require biotin use include:

  • Thinning and hair loss in hair
  • Weakening of eyebrows and eyelashes
  • Red-colored appearance, flaking and rashes, usually around the eyes, mouth and nose
  • Excessive oiliness on the face
  • Skin infections
  • Eye infections such as conjunctivitis
  • Neurological problems such as depression, excessive fatigue and hallucinations in adults
  • Decreased muscle tone, low energy, growth and developmental delays in babies
  • Seizures


People who experience such symptoms may have biotin deficiency. In order to fully determine whether the condition is caused by biotin, a detailed medical examination should be performed. In addition to the examination, the necessary diagnostic tests should be applied and whether biotin supplementation is necessary should be evaluated accordingly.

How to Use Biotin?

When there are symptoms of biotin deficiency in the body, biotin supplements can be started by consulting a physician. It is possible to find biotin supplements in more than one form on the market. You can choose the product recommended by your physician among supplements in the form of powder or liquid-filled capsules, chewable or water-dissolved tablets, or compressed pills. The dosage adjustment in most of the biotin supplements in question is made for once-daily use. However, the use can be acted upon according to the recommendation of the physician or the information on the product label.

When to Drink Biotin?

The use of vitamin B7 can be recommended for people who have been diagnosed with this vitamin deficiency. When biotin supplements are used with the recommended dose and frequency upon the recommendation of the physician, biotin levels can easily reach normal ranges. Most of the time, if individuals who have problems such as hair loss, redness and flaking of the skin, deterioration and brittleness in the nail structure are suspected of vitamin deficiency, the physician plans the supplementation of a group of vitamins and minerals including biotin. However, other medical possibilities that may be related to the symptoms should first be ruled out.2

How Long Should Biotin Be Used?

The duration of biotin use varies from person to person and according to the purpose of use. While longer-term use is required in severe biotin deficiencies, short-term use may be recommended for simple deficiencies. In addition, in cases where the need increases, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when biotin sources cannot be consumed due to the implementation of a special nutrition plan, vitamin supplements may need to be taken regularly. In such a case, it is likely that longer-term use will be recommended, usually together with different vitamins and minerals. For most people, doses of up to 300 mg per day are considered safe when used for up to 6 months. However, lower doses are generally preferred. In order not to pose any health risks, vitamin B7, like all vitamin supplements, should only be used in accordance with a physician's recommendation.

How Many Months Should Biotin Be Used?

As with many other vitamins, it is not possible to talk about a specific duration of effect in biotin. Various factors, especially the reason you start using biotin, can affect the ideal duration of biotin use. It may take months to see visible results in hair and nail health. Because it will take a long time for nails and hair to completely renew themselves. If you are recommended to start using biotin for different body functions such as energy support and metabolism, you may be able to get noticeable results in a period of 30 to 90 days. However, since absorption and metabolism rates will vary for each individual, it would not be a scientific approach to talk about a usage period that is valid for everyone. The most accurate and effective usage period for you can be determined by your doctor who recommends the supplement.

How Much Biotin Should Be Used?

Since the daily biotin requirement for adolescents and adults varies according to many factors such as health status, age, body mass and activity status, the average daily requirement is between 30-100 mcg. The recommended intake from birth to the first 3 years of age is 10-20 mcg, 25 mcg for 4-6 years of age and 30 mcg for children aged 7-10. While the same daily intake rate as adults is generally sufficient for pregnant women, this amount may increase slightly during breastfeeding.

It is of course very beneficial and healthy to use vitamin B7 under the supervision of a physician for people with vitamin B7 deficiency. However, biotin use may not be appropriate for some people. Biotin supplements may reduce the effect of the drugs used in some cases or may not be used in the body even if biotin supplements are taken in health problems such as biotinidase deficiency. While oral supplements are suitable for some individuals, in some cases, especially when there is a problem with the absorption of the vitamin, vitamin replacements administered by injection are needed. However, various factors such as thyroid hormone levels and vitamin D levels can also be affected by biotin use. In summary, biotin use should only be used by people with a suitable health condition who are deficient in vitamin B7 and should definitely be under the supervision of a physician.

If you are experiencing symptoms of biotin deficiency, you can consult your doctor and get information about biotin supplements. In addition, you can also take a look at our other content on foods containing vitamin B and the benefits of vitamin B12 to learn about B vitamins in general.

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