Biotin is a vitamin that plays a role in protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. and is believed to be able to maintain healthy skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system.
In addition to the several roles above, biotin is also one of the important nutrients needed to maintain the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H.
Naturally, the need for biotin can be met by regularly consuming well-cooked eggs, cooked beef liver, or salmon. However, in some conditions, such as smoking, malnutrition, alcoholism, or being pregnant and breastfeeding, biotin deficiency can occur.
Biotin deficiency can be characterized by thin hair, a red rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, or tingling. Biotin supplements can be used to treat biotin deficiency in these conditions.
Biotin is also believed to be able to overcome several conditions, such as alopecia areata, brittle nails, or pain in diabetic neuropathy. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of giving biotin in these conditions.
Biotin trademark: Cernevit, Nephrovit FE, Pehavral, Soluvit N, Vivena-9
What is Biotin
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat biotin deficiency |
| Consumed by | Adults and children. |
| Biotin for pregnant and lactating women | Category N:Not yet categorized. It is not known whether biotin can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets and injections |
Precautions Before Using Biotin
There are several things you need to pay attention to before using biotin, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Biotin supplements should not be given to someone who is allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or have had surgery on your digestive organs or system.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke, as people who smoke usually have low levels of biotin.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking biotin before having a blood test, as biotin can cause an error in blood test results.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking biotin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Biotin
The dose of biotin can be different for each patient according to their age and health condition. The recommended dose to treat biotin deficiency is 10 mg per day. Consult your doctor to find out the right dose and according to your condition.
Biotin Nutritional Adequacy Rate
Biotin does not yet have a fixed daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA). However, there are recommended daily intake limits for biotin, namely:
- Age above 10 years and adults: 30–100 mcg/day
- Ages 7–10 years: 30 mcg per day
- Ages 4–6 years: 25 mcg per day
- Ages 0–3 years: 10–20 mcg per day
How to Use Biotin Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the biotin package before starting to use it. Do not reduce, add, or stop taking biotin without your doctor's advice.
Biotin film-coated tablets should be taken whole, without being chewed, or crushed first. Take biotin 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
Avoid consuming dairy products, tea, or coffee, 2 hours before or after taking biotin, so as not to interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.
Injectable biotin will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Injectable biotin can be given by injection into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM).
Vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed to complement the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food cannot meet the body's needs.
Store biotin in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep biotin out of the reach of children.
Biotin Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the possible interactions of biotin supplements with certain drugs, supplements, herbal products, or foods:
- Decreased levels of biotin in the body when used with acetazolamide, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone
- Decreased effect of clozapine, olanzapine, propranolol, theophylline, or zolmitriptan
- Reduced absorption of biotin, alpha-lipoic acid, or vitamin B5 by the body when used together
- Increased risk of biotin deficiency if taken with raw egg whites
Biotin Side Effects and Dangers
When used at recommended doses, biotin supplements generally do not cause side effects. However, there are some mild side effects that can occur, namely nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction after taking a biotin supplement.