Biotin (B7)

Specialist

also vitamin h

What it isBiotin is a B vitamin that serves as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism.

DoesSupports keratin production (hair, skin, nails) and metabolic enzyme.

GoodAdequate biotin supports skin, hair, and nail health.

BadDeficiency is rare but causes hair loss, brittle nails, and rashes. High-dose biotin supplementation interferes with many immunoassays — including thyroid, troponin, and hormone tests — and can produce dangerously misleading results.

Standard

200–1200 ng/L.

Optimal

400–1000 ng/L (narrow target)

Modifiers

Raw egg whites bind biotin and prevent absorption; antibiotics reduce gut production.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Stop high-dose biotin 3–5 days before lab testing.
Diet: Egg yolks, salmon, sweet potato, almonds, sunflower seeds, mushrooms.
Supplements: Biotin in B-complex (usually sufficient); avoid mega-doses.
Peptides: —
Drugs: —

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