Best Biotin Supplement

Biotin is best known as the beauty vitamin for its potential to support the look and feel of hair, skin, and nails. It is also known as vitamin B7 and vitamin H.

But biotin is more than just a beauty vitamin. Biotin is an essential B vitamin that plays a role in hundreds of biological processes. This includes nervous system health, management of blood sugar levels, and energy production to name a few.

Angela Halderson, RDN, CHC, and Integrative & Functional Nutrition Practitioner, explains the role of biotin in the body and whether it really does support beauty. “Biotin is a B-vitamin that offers many effects on the body,” she explains. “Biotin supports a healthy nervous system, functioning liver, and yes, hair, skin and nails. However, taking biotin alone may not result in hair growth unless the person is deficient in biotin.”

If someone is looking for hair growth, she suggests that they should also consider silica, manganese, and vitamin C. “These three nutrients help collagen form within the body.” Individuals should also be consistent with obtaining nutrients through diet and supplementation.

“Supplements designed for hair, skin and nails should be taken daily with meals,” she says. “This aids in their absorption. Changes in tissue strength and texture is typically noticed at the fingernails, as fingernails grow at a faster rate than hair. This can occur in as little as 2 to 3 months. Changes in hair growth could be seen as early as 3 months and may come in stages. Hair loss may slow, hair growth at the temples may start as peach fuzz-like hair. The key is consistency in supplementation, removing any products causing hair damage, and making sure they are eating a balanced diet with adequate protein.”

Beyond just nutrition, Angela warns that there can be many reasons why areas of the body, such as hair, may not look so lustrous. “People should consider why their hair may not be growing like it used to,” she says. “They should check their shampoos and conditioners which can be sources of chemicals that can actually damage the hair.”

When reviewing the ingredient label of your shampoo, look for mentions of sulfates and silicone as these can dry hair out. “This drying effect can lead to brittle hair and breakage. If these ingredients are in your hair care products, consider switching to a more natural product.”

Now that you have heard from an expert about biotin, are you wondering how to add more biotin and other supportive nutrients to your diet? If so, then keep reading.

The team of health practitioners at NHC has made a list of the best biotin supplements that may be perfect for your health and beauty goals.

Biotin Supplements to Try

A health practitioner on the NHC staff has vetted every supplement on this list for quality, purity, and potency. NHC only works with brands that meet strict guidelines to ensure what our customers put into their bodies provides only the potential medicinal support you want.

Many brands that NHC carries offer herbal supplements with non-GMO formulas, vegan capsules, and certified organic herbs packaged without preservatives to support your overall wellbeing.

Before selecting a supplement, be aware that each supplement is different. Some contain only biotin, while others include additional ingredients for a synergistic benefit. The dosages and concentrations of these ingredients vary. Read the ingredient label and review the manufacturer's dosing guidelines for optimal results.

Ultra HNS Hair, Nails, Skin Formula by Douglas Laboratories - Top Pick

Ultra HNS Hair, Nails, Skin Formula by Douglas Laboratories is a clinically studied dietary supplement that contains solubilized keratin called Cynatine, and methylfolate, biotin, zinc, and vitamin C. These ingredients support the strength and appearance of healthy hair, nails, and skin.

This formula also includes Metafolin, a universally metabolized form of folate that plays an essential role in the health and growth of epithelial cells. The optimal absorption and bioavailability of Metafolin may contribute to healthy skin appearance by enhancing folate levels. Zinc is an important factor in skin barrier function against oxidative stress. It plays a role in skin health through cell division and DNA repair while also contributing to factors regulating hair growth. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that quenches free radicals to help protect the skin's lipids. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to support skin health, wrinkle reduction, and collagen synthesis.

• • Contains 6 mg of biotin
• • Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails
• • Provides bioavailable methylfolate, biotin, zinc, vitamin C, and more
• • May support DNA repair
• • Provides antioxidants
• • Take 3 vegetarian capsules daily or as directed

HiBiotin by Allergy Research Group - Highest Biotin Dose

HiBiotin by Allergy Research Group is a high-potency biotin supplement that provides 100 milligrams or 333,333% of your recommended daily biotin intake. Some individuals seek to take a higher dose of biotin to support the utilization of glucose for energy, the breakdown and utilization of fatty acids in energy production, and the synthesis of protein from amino acids. This formula also supports the normal growth and development of hair, skin, and nails. High doses of biotin may not be right for you. Speak with your primary care practitioner to find out more.

• • Contains 100 mg of biotin
• • Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails
• • Hypoallergenic and gluten-free
• • Take 1 capsule daily or as directed

Hair Renew Formula by Terry Naturally - Best Biotin for Hair Formula

Hair Renew Formula by Terry Naturally contains plant oils and essential vitamins and minerals for the purpose of supporting hair that looks and feels beautiful. This formula is labeled for thinning hair, age-related hair loss, and for the support of hair growth at the follicle. The key ingredient in this formula is millet seed oil, which provides miliacin, a clinically studied ingredient that has been shown to play a critical role in keratin production, which is a normal part of strong, thick, and radiant hair.

Unlike shampoos and conditioners that may only temporarily improve the outward appearance of your hair, this formula works at the follicle to support hair growth from the inside out. Included in this formula are biotin, B vitamins for energy production in the fast-growing cells in hair follicles, and zinc, which has been shown to improve hair quality, especially dry, brittle hair.

• • Contains 5 mg of biotin
• • Supports the growth and appearance of hair
• • Provides zinc, horsetail extract, amino acids, and B-vitamins for the support of overall health and beauty
• • Take 2 softgels daily for 30 days, then reduce to 1 per day thereafter or as directed

Collagen Building Protein Peptides by Sunwarrior - Best Biotin and Collagen Supplement

Collagen Building Protein Peptides by SunWarrior is formulated with hydrolyzed collagen from bamboo and a beauty blend. This supplement contains essential amino acids, BCAAs, MCTs, vitamin C, trace minerals, leafy greens, silica, biotin, and probiotics that seek to support youthful beauty, physician activity, and energy production.

• • Contains 100% of your daily recommended intake of biotin
• • Contains 14 grams of protein from brown rice and peas
• • Provides vitamin C, trace minerals, leafy greens, silica, hyaluronic acid, and tremella mushroom
• • Contains hydrolyzed collagen from bamboo
• • Supports healthy-looking skin, hair, and nails
• • Supports healthy joints
• • Mix, shake, or blend 1 scoop with 10 oz of your favorite beverage

Hair, Skin & Nails by New Chapter

Hair, Skin & Nails by New Chapter provides a blend of biotin, herbs, and the antioxidant astaxanthin to help with energy production at the cellular level, which may help to support healthy-looking hair, skin, and nails and protect them from oxidative damage. Astaxanthin has been clinically shown to help and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, support the elasticity of the skin, and promote feelings of youthfulness.

• • Contains 100% of your daily recommended intake of biotin
• • Supports healthy-looking skin, hair, and nails
• • Contains a blend of reishi mushroom, schizandra berry, maca root, chamomile flower, aloe leaf, peppermint leaf, coriander seed, cardamom fruit, and artichoke leaf
• • Promotes healthy energy levels
• • Offers antioxidant support
• • May support a healthy response to stress
• • Seeks to support digestive system health
• • Supports healthy aging
• • Take 1 vegetarian capsule daily with food or as directed

Beauty Complete by Nutritional Frontiers

Beauty Complete by Nutritional Frontiers contains nutrients and herbs that have been clinically shown to support the look and feel of skin, hair, and nails. This formula provides Cynatine Keratin FLX and HNS, novel ingredients designed to improve various aspects of hair and nail growth. A clinical trial testing Cynatine in women demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hair loss, strength, and appearance, as well as nail strength and appearance. Cynatine HNS is derived from premium quality sheep wool to provide natural, soluble, bioavailable keratin.

• • Contains 6 mg of biotin
• • Supports the look and feel of the hair, skin, and nails
• • Take 2 capsules per day or as directed

Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies by Genestra

Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies by Genestra is a biotin gummy formula and provides a blend of hydrolyzed soluble keratin (KeraGLO,) biotin, zinc, and vitamin C in a great-tasting gummy. In a clinical study involving women ages 30 to 60, a 90-day supplementation with KeraGLO combined with nutrient cofactors provided optimal support for hair density and brightness, nail growth, and decreased hair shedding. Another 90-day study evaluating a 500-milligram daily dose of KeraGLO with nutrient cofactors suggests that the combination supports hair shine and brightness, as well as nail hardness and smoothness. This formula also provides biotin for the support of hair, skin, and nails.

• • Contains 3 mg of biotin
• • Contains KeraGLO Hydrolyzed Keratin
• • Supports the growth of hair, skin, and nails
• • Take 2 gummies 1 to 2 times daily with a meal, a few hours before or after taking medications or other supplements, or as directed

Biotin Health Benefits Overview

Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin that supports the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Biotin was discovered in 1927 and found to be an essential nutrient in the human diet. You are more likely to be deficient in biotin if your diet limits the intake of nuts and seeds, eggs, dairy, and meat.

The amount of biotin you need each day depends on your age, your gender, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Adults are recommended to get 30 micrograms (0.03 milligrams) of biotin daily. However, clinical studies and many supplements provide more than the daily recommended value for biotin. Depending on your health status, higher levels of biotin may be safe. However, you should speak with your primary care physician before changing your intake of nutrients.

Along with being an essential nutrient, biotin also supports many critical biological functions in the body.

Forms the Building Blocks of Life

Biotin is important for gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid catabolism. These processes are important for providing the body with energy, the production of fatty acids that hold together complex molecular chains, and converting amino acids into a form that the body can use to create, among other things, healthier hair, skin, and nails.

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Biotin helps to convert food into energy. However, excess or insufficient blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on health. When biotin levels are within the normal range, biotin seeks to help regulate normal blood sugar levels by balancing blood sugar levels.

One study found that taking 9 milligrams of biotin daily for one month resulted in a 45% decrease in fasting blood glucose concentrations. Another study found that biotin combined with the mineral chromium helped maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range for some overweight or obese individuals with metabolic concerns. These results suggest that individuals with blood sugar disorders may potentially benefit medicinally from maintaining healthy biotin intake each day.

Supports Nervous System Function and Eye Health

Biotin is believed to help produce myelin, which is a protective layer found around the nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and eyes. Some people suffer from a degenerative condition where this layer deteriorates. Clinical research suggests that daily doses of up to 300 mg of biotin may support the normal health and functioning of nerve fibers, including potential support of vision, cognition, and the response of the nervous system throughout the body.

Supports Healthy-Looking Hair, Nails, and Skin

Biotin's function in protein synthesis and, more specifically, in keratin production explains its contribution to healthy nail and hair growth. Biotin may help some people with brittle nails. Studies show that taking 2-1/2 mg of biotin daily was found to support nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. Another study found that over half of the people taking the same 2-1/2 mg of biotin daily had a 25% increase in the thickness of their nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Biotin vs Collagen: Which is Better?

Biotin is a vitamin that acts as a fuel source for biological functions in the body. As it relates to hair, skin, and nails, biotin is essential for the production of keratin. Keratin is a protein that helps to form the hair, nails, and the outer layer of your skin.

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body and gives structure to tissue, including your bones, muscles, hair, skin, and nails.

While biotin and collagen have different functions in the body, both are essential for overall health and wellness. Add both to your daily diet for optimal results.

How Can You Correct a Biotin Deficiency With Food?

If you have a medical disorder that prevents the body from absorbing or using biotin properly, speak with your primary care physician to learn about available treatment options. If you suspect a biotin deficiency is the result of a poor diet, look to add more of the following foods to your diet:

• • Almonds
• • Avocado
• • Bananas
• • Carrots
• • Cauliflower
• • Cheese
• • Egg
• • Fortified Cereal
• • Mushrooms
• • Nuts
• • Pork
• • Raspberries
• • Salmon
• • Sweet potatoes
• • Whole grains

Try to vary your diet by including multiple foods from this list. Some food items, such as fish, provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. While other foods, such as cauliflower, provide prebiotics and fiber. Eating foods from different food groups is essential to supporting all areas of the body, not just your skin, hair, and nails.

How Much Biotin is Enough?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for biotin varies. Use the following recommendations as a guide to how much biotin you should get through your diet:

• • Infants 0 – 6 months: 5 mcg
• • Infants 7 – 12 months: 6 mcg
• • Children 1 – 3 years: 8 mcg
• • Children 4 – 8 years: 12 mcg
• • Children 9 – 13 years: 20 mcg
• • Adolescents 14 – 18 years: 25 mcg
• • Adults 19 years and older: 30 mcg
• • Pregnant women: 30 mcg
• • Breastfeeding women: 35 mcg

For most people, this is enough biotin to maintain feelings of health and wellness each day.

Biotin Side Effects

Consuming up to 10 milligrams of biotin a day may be considered safe for some individuals. Reports of nausea, vomiting, and gut discomfort are sometimes reported in individuals who take high doses of any vitamin over an extended period of time. However, you should speak with your primary care physician to learn more about your needs. Certain medications or diseases may affect how you tolerate increasing biotin through diet or supplementation.

How Should I Select the Best Biotin Product?

This article recommends several biotin supplements, but it's important to consider what to look for when shopping for biotin.

When selecting a biotin supplement, consider the following tips:

1. 1. Research the brand. Look for reputable brands that have a history of producing high-quality supplements. NHC only stocks products from these brands.
2. 2. Check the dosage of biotin and other ingredients supplied by the supplement.
3. 3. Consider the form. Biotin supplements are typically available in capsules, but you may also find it in powders or liquids. Choose a form that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
4. 4. Read customer reviews. Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and quality of a product. Look for reviews from verified buyers to get an accurate representation of the supplement's benefits.
5. 5. Consult with a healthcare professional. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs.

How We Chose the Best Supplements

For the ranking, the editorial team consulted with an accredited nutrition expert. Ratings were based on user satisfaction, cost, and third-party certification, and determined solely by the editorial team.

All product prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.

The benefits of biotin are numerous. Consider adding a biotin supplement to your daily routine and see if it helps you to feel your best while also supporting your hair, skin, and nails. For added support, consider collagen and other supportive and essential nutrients that help your body look and feel its best.