Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Biotin Complex?

Valerie Clark
Valerie Clark

Knowing the intended end use of the product can help you choose the best biotin complex for your needs. There are many common uses for biotin in the beauty and health industries. A biotin complex is a vitamin that is found in hair and skin care products, and it can be taken orally as a nutritional supplement or medical treatment. There is no known toxicity associated with taking biotin, though an adequate daily dose for an adult is between 30 and 70 micrograms (mcg) for an adult.

If you are looking for the best biotin product to improve hair and nail growth, then a product with a 30 to 70 mcg concentration of biotin will do the trick. Biotin complex also has be used to treat diabetes and requires a much higher concentration to be effective — approximately 8 milligrams (mg) twice daily. Nursing mothers are encouraged to choose a biotin product that provides them with 6,000 mcg daily. As such, the best vitamin complex for you will vary depending on the target concentration for each daily dose.

Cauliflower is a source of biotin.
Cauliflower is a source of biotin.

Many concentrations of biotin are available as over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplements or vitamins. Research has shown that the human body will completely absorb biotin, regardless of the form or source, though a liquid biotin complex may be absorbed by the body faster than a capsule formulation would be. For this reason, if quick absorption is what you need, then the best biotin complex is likely to be a liquid form of the vitamin. Any reputable vitamin product should be sold with certification from a respected, industry-guiding agency.

Biotin supplements might provide the best biotin complex.
Biotin supplements might provide the best biotin complex.

Most people get enough biotin in their diet, but a biotin deficiency can occur during pregnancy and as a result of malnutrition, rapid weight loss or mild depression. A recent study showed how biotin and chromium together can have a positive effect on the lives of diabetes sufferers. The combination of chromium and biotin has demonstrated an ability to improve control of blood glucose levels. This ability largely has been attributed to biotin’s role in mediating the metabolism of blood glucose.

Taking biotin supplements may improve hair and nail health.
Taking biotin supplements may improve hair and nail health.

Biotin is defined as a colorless, crystallized vitamin that comprises part of the vitamin B complex. The biotin complex can include multiple biotin molecules or a combination of biotin and other vitamins in a single compound. This is essential for proper enzymatic activity and normal biological function. The biotin complex itself is a water-soluble vitamin that is found naturally in food sources such as egg yolk, peanuts, cauliflower and mushrooms.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

@MikeMason-- Biotin does help hair and nails grow faster and stronger.

However, a multivitamin with biotin is different than biotin complex. The amount of biotin in a multivitamin will be considerably less, so I'm not sure that it will show any effect.

You should get a biotin supplement with at least 70mcg and take it every day.

It also takes some time for biotin supplements to start working, so don't expect miraculous results immediately. You need to give it at least a month to start seeing the difference.

stoneMason

I just bought a multivitamin with biotin in it. Will this help me grow my hair faster?

serenesurface

The first biotin product I purchased was a biotin complex with numerous other vitamins and herbs in it. Within a few days of use, I realized that the supplement was raising my blood pressure. I know that biotin has no such effect, so it must have been one of the herb extracts that was in the supplement.

I'm using another biotin complex now, with only biotin in it. I haven't experienced any side effects from it.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cauliflower is a source of biotin.
      By: ExQuisine
      Cauliflower is a source of biotin.
    • Biotin supplements might provide the best biotin complex.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Biotin supplements might provide the best biotin complex.
    • Taking biotin supplements may improve hair and nail health.
      By: milosducati
      Taking biotin supplements may improve hair and nail health.
    • Whole grain breads and cereals are high in biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7.
      By: AAA
      Whole grain breads and cereals are high in biotin, which is also known as vitamin B7.
    • Biotin is found naturally in mushrooms.
      By: Tim UR
      Biotin is found naturally in mushrooms.
    • Spinach is a source of biotin.
      By: nito
      Spinach is a source of biotin.