Products

Non-medicinal ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, vegetarian capsule (carbohydrate gum [cellulose], purified water), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant).

Recommended adult dose: 1 capsule daily with food or as directed by a health care practitioner.

Contains no artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Research Information

Weak, dry, brittle nails are a fairly common condition. Research shows as many as one in five are affected by brittle nails, which can be unsightly, painful, and interfere with work activities and daily tasks (1). Biotin, is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. It has been shown to support healthy, strong nails and hair, and supplementation can also relieve some dry skin conditions.

One study showed that people who took 2500 mcg of biotin daily experienced a 25% increase in nail plate thickness (2). In an uncontrolled study using the same dose, 91% of people with brittle nails showed “definite improvement” with firmer, harder nails after an average of two months of treatment (3). Another study demonstrated that supplementing biotin was associated with increased nail plate thickness and reduced nail splitting (4).

Research also supports biotin’s role in healthier, thicker hair growth. Daily biotin supplementation (5000 mcg) has been used to treat uncombable hair syndrome, an inherited condition associated with nail fragility that leads to unruly, dry, blonde hair prone to tangling (5). Biotin deficiency can cause thinning hair, loss of hair colour, and dry skin conditions, such as a red scaly rash around the mouth, nose, and eyes. These symptoms may be associated with biotin’s role in the synthesis of the fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin cell membranes and proteins and hydration (6).

Biotin deficiency is rare but may occur in pregnancy, older age, in athletes, and those with malabsorption syndromes, diabetes, or anyone taking anticonvulsant medications. It can impair activity of biotin-dependent enzyme pyruvate carboxylase, leading to elevated pyruvate and aspartate and nerve damage associated with neurological symptoms including low mood, lethargy, hallucinations, and “pins and needles” in the extremities. As with all supplements, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone taking prescription medications or have existing health conditions, should check with a health care practitioner prior to starting supplementation.

In addition to supporting healthy nails, skin, and hair, biotin is also necessary for the proper function of a variety of critical metabolic pathways, including those involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates for energy. Biotin also supports healthy blood sugar regulation and stimulates the production of glycogen, the main type of fuel storage in muscles.

References

1. van de Kerkhof, P.C., Pasch, M.C., Scher, R.K., et al. (2005). Brittle nail syndrome: a pathogenesis-based approach with a proposed grading system. J Am Acad Dermatol, 53(4), 644-51.
2. Scheinfeld, N., Dahdah, M.J., Scher, R. (2007). Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease. J Drugs Dermatol, 6(8), 782-7.
3. Floersheim, G.L. (1989). Treatment of brittle fingernails with biotin. Z Hautkr, 64, 41-48.
4. Colombo, V.E., Gerber, F., Bronhofer, M., et al. (1990). Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia. J Am Acad Dermatol, 23(6 Pt 1), 1127-32.
5. Boccaletti, V., Zendri, E., Giordano, G., et al. (2007). Familial Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Ultrastructural Hair Study and Response to Biotin. Pediatr Dermatol, 24(3), E14-6.
6. Mock, D.M. Skin manifestations of biotin deficiency. Semin Dermatol, 10(4), 296-302.

Questions