Deepa P Patel1,2, Shane M Swink3, Leslie Castelo-Soccio1. 1. Section of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. 2. University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. 3. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biotin has gained commercial popularity for its claimed benefits on healthy hair and nail growth. Despite its reputation, there is limited research to support the utility of biotin in healthy individuals. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on biotin efficacy in hair and nail growth. METHODS: We conducted a PubMed search of all case reports and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using the following terms: (biotin and hair); (biotin and supplementation and hair); (biotin supplementation); (biotin and alopecia); (biotin and nails); (biotin and dermatology), and (biotin recommendations). RESULTS: We found 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth. All cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin. CONCLUSIONS: Though its use as a hair and nail growth supplement is prevalent, research demonstrating the efficacy of biotin is limited. In cases of acquired and inherited causes of biotin deficiency as well as pathologies, such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair, biotin supplementation may be of benefit. However, we propose these cases are uncommon and that there is lack of sufficient evidence for supplementation in healthy individuals.
BACKGROUND:Biotin has gained commercial popularity for its claimed benefits on healthy hair and nail growth. Despite its reputation, there is limited research to support the utility of biotin in healthy individuals. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on biotin efficacy in hair and nail growth. METHODS: We conducted a PubMed search of all case reports and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using the following terms: (biotin and hair); (biotin and supplementation and hair); (biotin supplementation); (biotin and alopecia); (biotin and nails); (biotin and dermatology), and (biotin recommendations). RESULTS: We found 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients receiving biotin supplementation had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth. All cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin. CONCLUSIONS: Though its use as a hair and nail growth supplement is prevalent, research demonstrating the efficacy of biotin is limited. In cases of acquired and inherited causes of biotin deficiency as well as pathologies, such as brittle nail syndrome or uncombable hair, biotin supplementation may be of benefit. However, we propose these cases are uncommon and that there is lack of sufficient evidence for supplementation in healthy individuals.
Authors: V Colamaria; A B Burlina; D Gaburro; F Pajno-Ferrara; J M Saudubray; R G Merino; B Dalla Bernardina Journal: Epilepsia Date: 1989 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 5.864
Authors: Marius Nicolae Popescu; Mihai Berteanu; Cristina Beiu; Liliana Gabriela Popa; Mara Mădălina Mihai; Madalina Gabriela Iliescu; Ana Maria Alexandra Stănescu; Anca Mirela Ionescu Journal: Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol Date: 2022-04-22