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What Are the Symptoms of a Biotin Overdose?

Marlene Garcia
Marlene Garcia

A biotin overdose is rare but is possible if someone takes high doses of the vitamin over a prolonged period of time. Possible signs of a biotin overdose include slower release of insulin, skin rash, lower vitamin C and vitamin B6 levels, and higher blood sugar levels. Biotin, which is vitamin B7, also called vitamin H, is water soluble, meaning the body excretes what it doesn’t use through urine.

The recommended daily intake of biotin for adults is 20-30 mcg per day. For children, the suggested level is 5-12 mcg daily. Physicians might advise pregnant women to take between 30-35 mcg daily, preferably through diet. Higher doses of the vitamin may be prescribed by a doctor for brittle nails or hair loss. Most of the biotin needed for health can come from food.

Symptoms of a biotin overdose may include a skin rash.
Symptoms of a biotin overdose may include a skin rash.

Biotin is an important element for genetic cell division and the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates. It converts glucose and fatty acids into energy, and prevents the kidneys and liver from storing excess fat. These properties lead some people to believe that biotin supplements can reduce high cholesterol and help those with diabetes. Researchers believe more study is needed before biotin is recommended for those conditions.

Biotin may be helpful for individuals who are suffering with diabetes.
Biotin may be helpful for individuals who are suffering with diabetes.

The potential for a biotin deficiency is greater than for a biotin overdose. Signs of too little vitamin B7 include loss of appetite, hair and nail problems, lethargy, or hallucinations, but deficiencies occur infrequently. Some medications and lifestyle habits may deplete biotin from the body.

Medication taken for seizures, as well as dialysis for kidney disease, might cause a deficiency of biotin. People who eat excessive amounts of egg whites may also become deficient in this nutrient. Smoking has been linked to depletion of biotin, and pregnant women might need additional supplements of the vitamin if their doctors recommend it.

Biotin may help reduce high cholesterol levels.
Biotin may help reduce high cholesterol levels.

In animal studies with pregnant rats, signs of a biotin overdose included a higher risk of miscarriage. The research found that the placentas of the animals also shrank with high doses of biotin, but a deficiency of biotin caused birth defects. There are no known side effects of biotin overdose in humans because human trials have not been done.

Supplements that may lead to a biotin overdose are generally not needed if a healthy diet is consumed. Egg yolks, dairy products, and legumes represent good sources of this nutrient. It is also found in meat and leafy, green vegetables.

Biotin Overdose Hair Loss

Biotin supplements rarely cause side effects.
Biotin supplements rarely cause side effects.

It may sound paradoxical, but in some cases, biotin may actually lead to hair loss. When this happens, it is typically the result of a biotin overdose, which is generally a rare occurrence. Any nutrient in excess can cause unintended effects, though — including biotin. The exact reason why hair loss can be triggered by a biotin overdose has not been identified, but there are a few possible causes.

Biotin may be prescribed for hair loss.
Biotin may be prescribed for hair loss.

Some researchers have suggested that it is the result of a condition called telogen effluvium. This ailment can affect hair follicles that are in the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. When it happens, these strands are shed suddenly, and a widespread pattern of hair loss can emerge. Luckily, although the condition can be concerning, it is temporary and typically completely reversible.

One sign of a biotin overdose is a slower release of insulin.
One sign of a biotin overdose is a slower release of insulin.

Telogen effluvium has been attributed to a wide range of causes, including stress, emotional trauma, physical illnesses, and, yes — biotin overdoses. This is likely because of the fact that any excess of nutrients can place stress on your body and lead to adverse reactions such as hair shedding. Telogen effluvium has also been linked to overdosing on vitamins such as Vitamin A and selenium.

Biotin Overdose Amount

In animal studies with pregnant rats, signs of a biotin overdose included a higher risk of miscarriage.
In animal studies with pregnant rats, signs of a biotin overdose included a higher risk of miscarriage.

In moderate amounts, biotin can be great for your hair, but you don’t want too much of a good thing. This prompts the question — how much is too much? What amount of biotin would constitute an overdose? Experts recommend that teens and adults consume between 30 and 100 micrograms on a daily basis. Kids between seven and ten years old should only consume 30 micrograms per day. Youngsters who are four to six can have 25 micrograms, and newborns to three-year-olds can have ten to 20 micrograms.

Any amount that surpasses these numbers may be enough to trigger an overdose, but in most cases, it would require a very high dose to yield any adverse effects. Some daily supplements contain doses as high as 5,000 micrograms, and many people take these capsules with no impact on their health. For this reason, it’s hard to identify a single dosage as the threshold for an overdose.

Different people have different sensitivities to supplements, so it’s most likely that you have your own unique dosage needs. If you start to notice hair loss, digestive upset, or any other negative side effects, it’s possible that you are overdosing and you need to lower your daily biotin intake.

Biotin Overdose Rash

Did you know that hair loss isn’t the only symptom associated with an overdose of biotin? Some people also report that they experience a rash as a result of excessive biotin, too. Too much biotin can cause irritation across the skin, especially in people who have a sensitivity to Vitamin B.

A biotin-induced rash may be more likely if you start taking high-dose supplements suddenly. It’s a good idea to gradually increase your dosage so that your body can acclimate to it. This will allow you to prevent any unwanted side effects, including rashes.

Discussion Comments

anon996690

I'm popping a 5,000 mcg (yes, five thousand) pill per day. Let's see what happens.

anon990719

A recent study used very high doses of biotin (100 to 300 mg--which is 1000 to 3000 mcg) and they treated patients for over six months. No side effects were noted in the patients who received the treatment--no rashes. How do you explain this? What evidence do you cite for your claims?

John57

When I was pregnant my doctor recommended a prenatal vitamin that had biotin in it. I don't remember how many mcg it had, but I just took the vitamins that she recommended.

I have always been pretty good at taking vitamins, but had never read much about the importance of biotin until my doctor recommended it.

When I was taking those prenatal vitamins I had more energy than I ever had. Since giving birth, I have found a vitamin that has extra biotin in it. I figured if it was good for me when I was pregnant, that it would be good for me all the time.

If you take more biotin than your body needs, the extra is eliminated through your urine. It sounds like you would have to take a very large amount in order to have an overdose.

sunshined

I know it is possible to overdose on just about anything, but have never heard of anyone overdosing on biotin. I can see how it could be possible if you took too much of it though. That is why everything in moderation is a good rule to follow.

I take a B complex supplement that has 100% of the recommended daily amount of biotin in it. Since I began taking this, I have noticed that my hair is thicker and fuller than it had been in a long time.

If I skip a few days, I also notice that I don't have as much energy. I don't know how much the biotin has to do with this, but know that the B vitamins are helpful for energy.

One of my friends has very thin hair, and swears the biotin helps her hair grow faster and thicker.

SarahSon

I take a multi vitamin every day that has some biotin in it, but was looking for something to strengthen my nails.

They were very soft and I could not get them to grow very long. Someone suggested that I take some extra biotin.

I bought some and began taking two capsules a day. After about 3 weeks of taking this everyday, my nails were stronger and actually longer than they had ever been before.

I didn't notice any side effects from this, but probably wasn't taking enough to cause any kind of overdose. I always try to start out with small amounts when I am trying something new like this.

Another added benefit was those tiny white spots on my fingernails disappeared after about 6 weeks.

FernValley

I took these vitamins once that gave me, among other symptoms, crazy dreams. I looked them up online and found that they contained high doses of biotin, and one of the side effects for people who aren't used to getting it through supplements is increased dream activity. Thankfully this isn't a sign that I had an overdose, just that I wasn't used to it.

Sara007

I was originally worried about a biotin overdose, but from reading article I think I need to see my doctor about a biotin deficiency. I have noticed that my scalp has been flaking and itching like crazy recently.

From what I know of biotin it is pretty famous for its relation to hair health and I really just wasn't sure if too much or too little could give you issues with your scalp. I guess I will have to see my doctor about getting a supplement if it is indeed a loss of biotin that is causing my itchy scalp and hair loss. Hopefully everything will be back to normal shortly.

letshearit

I have read that it is actually pretty rare to overdose on biotin for those that are healthy. Some studies have shown that even taking 30 times the recommended daily amount have been just fine. I guess the main exception to this is for those that have Type 2 diabetes. People with this kind of diabetes can suffer from upset insulin levels and a doctor may have to adjust their insulin intake levels if they are taking biotin.

Biotin is usually taken for those that have a specific deficiency. Biotin is found in so many foods that most people don't need to take a separate supplement, so it is best if you see a doctor before adding it to your diet.

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    • Symptoms of a biotin overdose may include a skin rash.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Symptoms of a biotin overdose may include a skin rash.
    • Biotin may be helpful for individuals who are suffering with diabetes.
      By: Monkey Business
      Biotin may be helpful for individuals who are suffering with diabetes.
    • Biotin may help reduce high cholesterol levels.
      By: Sophia Winters
      Biotin may help reduce high cholesterol levels.
    • Biotin supplements rarely cause side effects.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Biotin supplements rarely cause side effects.
    • Biotin may be prescribed for hair loss.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Biotin may be prescribed for hair loss.
    • One sign of a biotin overdose is a slower release of insulin.
      By: spline_x
      One sign of a biotin overdose is a slower release of insulin.
    • In animal studies with pregnant rats, signs of a biotin overdose included a higher risk of miscarriage.
      By: lculig
      In animal studies with pregnant rats, signs of a biotin overdose included a higher risk of miscarriage.