Nutraceuticals

Biotin supplements are available alone, combined in a supplement with B vitamins, or included in a multivitamin.

People take biotin supplements to prevent or treat:

• hair loss
• brittle nails
• seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that affects infants
• diabetes
• mild depression

• Those with biotinidase deficiency usually start with a dose of 5 to 10 mg a day.

  Those without this genetic condition should first try to get enough biotin from the diet, as dietary biotin also enhances the intake of other beneficial nutrients that work alongside it.

• Always speak to a doctor before taking supplements, and choose brands carefully, as supplements are not monitored by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA).