Biotin
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Biotin is a dietary supplement with 20 published peer-reviewed studies involving 998 participants, researched for Hair, Skin, and Nails, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Hair, Skin, and Nails
StrongDiabetes
StrongMultiple Sclerosis
ModerateClinical trials
WeakSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
To investigate whether taking biotin can help protect the skin, lips, and hair of acne patients who are being treated with an acne medication (isotretinoin). Studies have shown that when isotretinoin is broken down in the body, it may affect the liver and reduce the activity of an enzyme called biotinidase.
Study Type
Non-randomised, controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate whether taking biotin can help protect the skin, lips, and hair of acne patients who are being treated with an acne medication (isotretinoin). Studies have shown that when isotretinoin is broken down in the body, it may affect the liver and reduce the activity of an enzyme called biotinidase.
Dose
10 mg/day biotin in addition to isotretinoin or control (isotretinoin only)
Participants
60 patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris with an average age of 23 years
Duration
4 months
Results
In the biotin group, the proportion of anagen hairs (hairs actively growing) increased significantly (p = 0.034), and telogen hairs (hairs in the resting/shedding phase) decreased significantly (p = 0.003). More anagen hairs means less shedding. Skin hydration significantly decreased in the isotretinoin-only group (p = 0.001), indicating noticeably drier skin. In contrast, the biotin group showed no significant reduction in skin hydration (p = 0.43), suggesting that biotin helped maintain skin moisture levels. Skin oil (sebum) levels and skin elasticity (how quickly the skin bounces back after being pressed) decreased in both groups, showing that isotretinoin reduces oiliness regardless of biotin use. Overall, biotin appeared to protect both hair and skin moisture during isotretinoin treatment.
To investigate whether a plant-based biotin supplement (derived from Sesbania grandiflora) and a biotin + silica combination (silica = a mineral found in bamboo, thought to support collagen production) improve hair, skin, and nail health in adults with hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate whether a plant-based biotin supplement (derived from Sesbania grandiflora) and a biotin + silica combination (silica = a mineral found in bamboo, thought to support collagen production) improve hair, skin, and nail health in adults with hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin.
Dose
Treatment A: placebo. Treatment B: 1.25 mg plant-based biotin (oral, daily). Treatment C: 1.25 mg plant-based biotin + 21.75 mg silica (oral, daily).
Participants
105 enrolled, 97 completed — men and women with hair fall, thin/dry/brittle hair, and dry skin complaints (average age: 39 years)
Duration
90 days
Results
In the post-90-day evaluation, hair fall was significantly reduced to 20.61 in biotin and 15.71 in biotin with silica. Hair growth rate significantly increased by 0.55 mm/day in biotin and 0.57 mm/day in biotin with silica. For context, typical human hair grows around 0.3–0.4 mm/day, so these are meaningful improvements. In addition, nail roughness significantly reduced to 0.09 in biotin and 0.06 in biotin with silica. Skin elasticity significantly increased to 0.15 in biotin and 0.17 in biotin with the silica group. No adverse events were reported.
How They Measured It
Skin elasticity and firmness were measured using the Cutometer® Dual MPA 580, a device that gently pulls the skin with suction to assess how well it stretches and returns to its original shape. Skin surface features were analysed using the Visioscan® VC20 Plus, a device that captures detailed images of the skin to measure smoothness, roughness, scaliness, and wrinkles. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured using the Tewameter® TM Hex, a device that measures the amount of water that evaporates from the skin to assess the skin barrier function. Hair growth rate, density, thickness, and scalp condition were evaluated using the CASLite Nova, a digital imaging system that examines the scalp and hair in detail. Skin moisture levels were measured using the MoistureMeterEpiD, a device that measures the amount of water present in the outer layer of the skin.
To evaluate the association between the application of Serum WS Biotin, a novel water‐soluble form of D‐Biotin, and hair shedding and strength, after topical application
Study Type
Prospective Single-Arm, Nonrandomized, Pretest−Posttest Study
Purpose
To evaluate the association between the application of Serum WS Biotin, a novel water‐soluble form of D‐Biotin, and hair shedding and strength, after topical application
Dose
A shampoo formulation (Serum WS Biotin), containing 1.2% w/w WS Biotin (0.55% free biotin), was prepared for the treatment. Each participant was provided with two samples of 100 mL. Around 4 mL per application was used, according to the consumption control.
Participants
22 men and women with moderate to excessive hair shedding with an average age of 43 years
Duration
3 months
Results
Hairs pulled through the Modified Pull Test, a method where hairs are gently pulled to assess shedding, were reduced by 43.0% at day 30, 56.0% at day 60, and 76.1% at day 90. For the Modified Hair Wash Test, which counts hairs collected after washing and distinguishes hair length, the number of small vellus hairs (less than 3 cm long) was significantly reduced by 90.6% at day 30, 67.0% at day 60, and 74.8% at day 90, while longer hairs (greater than 3 cm) decreased significantly by 69.4% at day 60 and 60.0% at day 90, although a significant increase of 227.5% was observed at day 30. Additionally, hair thickness median increased significantly by 7.5% at day 30, 10.6% at day 60, and 7.6% at day 90, while the mean hair thickness showed nonsignificant increases of 4.6% at day 30, 18.0% at day 60, and 17.8% at day 90. There was also a nonsignificant improvement in overall hair mass by 3.2% at day 30 and 10.4% at day 90.
Diabetes
To investigate the effect of biotin administration on the concentration of blood fats, as well as glucose and insulin in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of biotin administration on the concentration of blood fats, as well as glucose and insulin in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects
Dose
61.4 µmol/day of biotin or placebo
Participants
18 diabetic and 15 nondiabetic subjects aged 30–65
Duration
28 days
Results
The researchers found that biotin significantly reduced blood fats (P = 0.005), specifically triacylglycerol (the main form of fat stored in the body and found in food) and VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein). VLDL is a type of "bad" cholesterol that acts as a delivery truck, carrying fats (specifically triglycerides) produced by the liver to the rest of the body. High levels of VLDL are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, because too much fat in the blood can build up in your arteries. After 28 days of treatment, triacylglycerol decreased by 0.55 in the diabetic group and by 0.92 in the non‑diabetic group, while VLDL decreased by 0.11 in the diabetic group and by 0.18 in the non‑diabetic group. Biotin treatment had no significant effects on cholesterol, glucose, or insulin in either group. These results show that pharmacological doses of biotin can lower high blood fats (hypertriglyceridemia).
To investigate the effect of biotin supplementation on blood sugar control and blood fat levels in poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate the effect of biotin supplementation on blood sugar control and blood fat levels in poorly controlled type 1 diabetic patients.
Dose
40 mcg/kg of body weight per day (up to a maximum of 2 mg/day) of biotin, taken orally alongside their usual insulin therapy or placebo
Participants
70 boys and girls with type 1 diabetes, with an average age of 14 years.
Duration
3 months
Results
HbA1c in the biotin group decreased significantly from 9.84% at the start to 8.88% after 3 months, meaning blood sugar control improved. HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is a measure of average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months and a higher percentage means worse blood sugar control. In the placebo group, HbA1c actually worsened, increasing from 9.39% to 10.11%. The difference between the two groups in HbA1c change was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Biotin also significantly reduced total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and triglycerides (p < 0.05) compared to placebo, while LDL ('bad cholesterol') decreased and HDL ('good cholesterol') increased in the biotin group, though these changes were not always statistically significant.
To investigate whether a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (CPB) improves blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to control their glucose despite already taking diabetes medications.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate whether a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (CPB) improves blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to control their glucose despite already taking diabetes medications.
Dose
600 mcg chromium picolinate + 2 mg biotin daily (as Diachrome), taken in addition to existing oral diabetes medications or placebo
Participants
43 adults with type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control
Duration
4 weeks
Results
After 4 weeks, the chromium picolinate + biotin group showed a significantly greater reduction in overall blood glucose exposure over time (9.7%) compared with an increase of 5.1% in the placebo group. Fructosamine levels (another blood sugar marker reflecting average glucose over 2–3 weeks) also decreased significantly in the chromium picolinate + biotin group (p < 0.03). Triglycerides were significantly reduced in the chromium picolinate + biotin group (p < 0.02), and the ratio of triglycerides to HDL ('good cholesterol') also improved significantly (p < 0.05). These results suggest that combining chromium picolinate and biotin with diabetes medications may help control blood sugar in adults with diabetes.
To evaluate whether a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin in combination with stable oral anti-diabetic agents can improve glycaemic (blood sugar) control in overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate whether a combination of chromium picolinate and biotin in combination with stable oral anti-diabetic agents can improve glycaemic (blood sugar) control in overweight to obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Dose
600 mcg chromium picolinate + 2 mg biotin daily, taken alongside stable oral anti-diabetic agents or placebo
Participants
447 overweight to obese adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with an average age of 55-60 years
Duration
90 days
Results
In this study, the change in HbA1c (a blood test that shows the average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months) was significantly different between the groups. People taking chromium picolinate with biotin lowered their HbA1c by 0.54% overall. The improvement was even greater in participants who started with very high blood sugar (baseline HbA1c ≥ 10%), where HbA1c dropped by 1.76%, compared with a 0.68% decrease in the placebo group. Fasting blood sugar also significantly decreased in the chromium picolinate+biotin group by 9.8 mg/dL, while the placebo group slightly increased by 0.7 mg/dL. Among those with HbA1c ≥ 10%, fasting glucose significantly dropped even more—35.8 mg/dL in the treatment group compared with an increase of 16.2 mg/dL in the placebo group. The treatment was well tolerated, meaning participants did not experience side effects different from those seen with the placebo.
Multiple Sclerosis
To investigate whether high-dose biotin can reverse disability in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis — a condition where the protective coating of nerve fibres (myelin) is damaged and does not repair itself, leading to increasing disability over time.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate whether high-dose biotin can reverse disability in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis — a condition where the protective coating of nerve fibres (myelin) is damaged and does not repair itself, leading to increasing disability over time.
Dose
300 mg/day biotin (3 x 100 mg; approximately 10,000 times the daily recommended intake) or placebo
Participants
154 patients with primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, with an average age 51.4 years,
Duration
12 months (double-blind phase) + 12 months extension
Results
Findings show that 13 out of 103 patients (12.6%) taking high-dose biotin achieved a sustained improvement in multiple sclerosis disability, with significant improvement by month 9 that remained confirmed at month 12, compared with 0 out of 51 patients in the placebo group. Researchers also observed that the high-dose biotin improved doctors' overall clinical impressions compared to placebo. The safety profile was similar to placebo, meaning it was well tolerated with no unusual side effects. This study provided the initial encouraging evidence for high-dose biotin in progressive multiple sclerosis.
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Biotin in beneficial changes in total cholesterol, ldl-c, biomarkers of intestinal inflammation, and vitamin e status in adults with metabolic syndrome consumin
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in beneficial changes in total cholesterol, ldl-c, biomarkers of intestinal inflammation, and vitamin e status in adults with metabolic syndrome consumin
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
38 participants
Duration
12 weeks
Results
, daily almond snacking improves nutrient intake and decreases gut inflammation in participants with metabolic syndrome. These beneficial dietary and inflammatory changes may contribute to the improvements in cardiovascular health observed.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in effect of probiotic administration during pregnancy on the functional diversity of the gut microbiota in healthy pregnant women.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in effect of probiotic administration during pregnancy on the functional diversity of the gut microbiota in healthy pregnant women.
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
, our findings suggest that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy has a significant impact on functional metabolism in healthy pregnant women.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in the effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment: a double-blind randomized controlled tri
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in the effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment: a double-blind randomized controlled tri
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
s increasing in the world. Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) can be associated with severe stress and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Vitamins and minerals are commonly found in multivitamins seem to improve mood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of multivitamins on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing MMT in a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the neuroprotectant 2-iminobiotin in patients with large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke treated with e
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the neuroprotectant 2-iminobiotin in patients with large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke treated with e
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
2-IB) is a biotin analog with neuroprotective properties. It selectively inhibits neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of 2-IB in patients with ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion treated with endovascular thrombectomy. The secondary objective was to investigate preliminary efficacy.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in postoperative vitamin profile after receiving a novel peripheral parenteral nutrition solution: multicenter randomized controlled phase iii trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in postoperative vitamin profile after receiving a novel peripheral parenteral nutrition solution: multicenter randomized controlled phase iii trial.
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
We assessed the efficacy and safety of OPF-105, a novel all-in-one peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) solution containing multivitamins by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 (FDA2000 recommendation).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in the oral transglutaminase 2 inhibitor zed1227 accumulates in the villous enterocytes in celiac disease patients during gluten challenge and drug treat
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in the oral transglutaminase 2 inhibitor zed1227 accumulates in the villous enterocytes in celiac disease patients during gluten challenge and drug treat
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ng co-localized with total TG2 and native and deamidated gliadin peptides on the enterocyte luminal surface. Inhibition of TG2 activity by ZED1227 was demonstrated in epithelial organoids. Our findings suggest that active TG2 is present at the luminal side of the villous epithelium and that inhibition of TG2 activity by ZED1227 occurs already there before gliadin peptides enter the lamina propria.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in efficacy of 5% topical minoxidil versus 5 mg oral biotin versus topical minoxidil and oral biotin on hair growth in men: randomized, crossover, clinic
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in efficacy of 5% topical minoxidil versus 5 mg oral biotin versus topical minoxidil and oral biotin on hair growth in men: randomized, crossover, clinic
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ining, irregular diets, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Soluble fibers, particularly konjac glucomannan (KGM), have shown potential in alleviating constipation, but clinical evidence, especially in athletes, is limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week KGM intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota in elite male Taekwondo athletes with functional constipation.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in effects of konjac glucomannan on gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota in athletes with functional constipation: a double-blind randomized cont
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in effects of konjac glucomannan on gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota in athletes with functional constipation: a double-blind randomized cont
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ining, irregular diets, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Soluble fibers, particularly konjac glucomannan (KGM), have shown potential in alleviating constipation, but clinical evidence, especially in athletes, is limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week KGM intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota in elite male Taekwondo athletes with functional constipation.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in efficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: a randomized, double-blind controlled study com
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in efficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: a randomized, double-blind controlled study com
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
41 women and 9 men
Duration
6 weeks
Results
no significant difference between the two groups in any other trichoscan parameter, except for improvement in terminal/vellus hair ratio in the Bayer group in both follow up visits, compared to the Pars group (p-value = 0.02 and 0.033 for weeks one and eight). Six-week treatment with both brands of biotin and dexpanthenol was effective and safe in people with diffused pattern hair loss.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Biotin in influence of biotin intervention on glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysi
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in influence of biotin intervention on glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysi
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin acting as a covalently bound coenzyme in regulating energy production. Previous studies have reported that biotin supplementation may influence blood glucose and lipid level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in effects of water-soluble vitamins on glycemic control and insulin resistance in adult type 2 diabetes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in effects of water-soluble vitamins on glycemic control and insulin resistance in adult type 2 diabetes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Growing evidence has explored the effects of water-soluble vitamins supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in diabetic patients; however, the results of previous meta-analyses are inconsistent. To address this, we conducted an umbrella review to synthesize the evidence on these effects.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Biotin in vitamin supplementation in the treatment of optic neuritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Biotin in vitamin supplementation in the treatment of optic neuritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Biotin (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
esearch has demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the role of vitamin supplementation as an intervention for ON has not been thoroughly investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses whether vitamin supplementation improves visual parameters and disease status among ON patients.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Biotin research
There are currently 20 peer-reviewed studies on Biotin (Biotin), involving 998 total participants. Research covers Hair, Skin, and Nails, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and 2 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (17 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Biotin has been researched for: Hair, Skin, and Nails, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 17 out of 20 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
