15 Biotin Side Effects

Side Effects Of Biotin

Usage of biotin in excess amounts can be alarming for a person.

Even though the excess biotin in the body is flushed out through urination, still, there are remaining chances of bad impacts of it on your body.

Majorly, biotin comes as harmful if consumed through supplements. That is why it is recommended to consume biotin supplements after consultation with the doctor.

When it comes to major side effects of biotin then few can be counted as follows.

1. Interaction With Medications

   Biotin consumption should be regulated if taking medication for some medical conditions.

   Vitamins and biotin can have negative effects if consumed with certain medications. One of those^[1] medications is anticonvulsant medication.

   Currently, there have no adverse effects of biotin if consumed according to a doctor’s prescription.

   This study^[2] concluded that smoking can increase the catabolism of biotin in women, hence, resulting in a deficiency of it.

2. Acne

   Excessive biotin consumption can cause acne on your face. Your body absorbs biotin the same way other vitamins and minerals are absorbed.

   Acne in your gastrovascular is absorbed to reduce your body. The consumption of biotin in excess amounts becomes an obstacle to the absorption of acne.

   It ultimately increases acne on your skin. Such instances occur because of the reduction of vitamins that fight acne and remove it from your body.

3. Skin Rashes

   Skin rashes are quite irritating and are a friend of biotin if you consume it in excess quantities or may get a deficiency of this vitamin.

   A study^[3] confirmed that from children to adults, everyone could experience red and scaly skin rashes on their skin due to its deficiency.

   Rashes appear because of inflammation of blood vessels. Biotin causes such problems because it is considered a foreign element in your system.

4. Stomach Problems

   Excessive biotin in your body can cause problems with your stomach in the gut which can be alarming at certain stages.

   Biotin upsets your digestion. Therefore, it causes^[4] many stomach problems like cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

   This is why it is best to go for an organic option rather than a biotin supplement.

5. Incorrect Lab Results

   Excessive amounts of biotin in your system can give incorrect lab results. Faulty^[5] lab results can be problematic in diagnosis.

   Situations like these may cause the wrong diagnosis of diseases or illnesses. To avoid such situations, it is advised to stop consuming biotin a few days before the lab testing.

6. Weight Gain

   Since biotin is related to obesity in diabetes, it may cause weight gain. Biotin, directly, does not increase weight in your body.

   Surprisingly, it influences your cravings and appetite which, in turn, increases your weight. Since biotin digests food easily, it leaves your stomach empty for a long time.

   This impact may increase^[6] your hunger and hence your weight.

7. Kidney Problems

   Since biotin is water soluble, it comes along in the kidneys. If not filtered, the vitamin remaining in the kidneys can cause many kidney problems.

   The non-required vitamins are the only ones that cause such a problem^[7]. Such a delay in vitamin clearance can cause a lot of difficulties too.

8. Biotin Deficiency

   In contrast to excessive biotin, a lack of biotin causes biotin deficiency. Excessive consumption of raw eggs can be the cause of biotin deficiency.

   As a result^[8] of such deficiency, you can experience conjunctivitis, hair thinning, and skin problems.

   This proves that biotin is quite important for our body. It is always recommended to consume a stipulated amount of dosage when it comes to biotin.

   There aren’t many bad impacts of this vitamin. Even so, an excessive amount of biotin in a body can be diagnosed with thyroid diseases.

   This is why doctors prescribe you to consume biotin in a certain amount.

9. Stomach Ache

   Biotin is normally known for soothing your stomach and improving digestion. But in the case of overconsumption of biotin supplements, you might observe the opposite.

   Too much biotin may lead to stomach aches and uneasiness. Moreover, you might get nauseous. This stomach ache may worsen diarrhea.

   In case you observe such symptoms, stop or gradually decrease your supplements. Consult the doctor as soon as possible.

10. Decreased Blood Sugar Levels

    Normally, biotin helps lower blood sugar levels. But excess can lead to a drastic drop in blood sugar levels.

    This is observed more in people taking insulin. This may worsen to an extent of a condition called hypoglycemia.

    Some opposite results can also be observed in diabetic patients. There can be some cases of high blood sugar levels. So use it with caution^[9].

11. Liver Problems

    Biotin affects insulin levels. It enhances insulin secretion which differs from normal body functioning. This may affect the working of the liver.

12. Vitamin Deficiency

    Biotin might lower both vitamin C and B6 levels. A decrease in vitamin C affects your immunity.

    Similarly, a drop in vitamin B6 levels leads to neurological problems as B vitamins like B1, B6, and B12 combine to play a significant role in the nervous system, as per this study^[10].

13. Hair Loss

    Biotin might work wonders for your hair if taken correctly. Excess of the same might make you shed some hair.

    A research paper^[11] stated that if you do not use proper hair care and appropriate biotin supplements, it may cause more harm than benefit.

14. Allergic Reaction

    Allergies are hard to detect unless you are exposed^[12] to the thing you are allergic to. Biotin allergy might cause rashes and swelling of the face and neck.

    Additionally, you might feel sick and experience hot flashes. Stop the use of biotin in case of such symptoms.

15. Trouble In Sleeping

    Biotin might relieve sleeping problems and anxiety. But overdose of biotin increases the risk^[12] of trouble falling asleep. It might even cause insomnia in the long run.