Biotin
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin.
Short answer Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin. Gut bacteria make it and deficiency is rare, so extra biotin helps mainly if you are short of it.
How much
There is no set UK requirement. 0.9mg or less a day from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
One important warning
Biotin supplements can interfere with some blood tests, including thyroid and heart tests. Tell the person taking your blood.
Related pages
- Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 is made by the body and helps cells produce energy.
- Multivitamins for womenA women's multivitamin typically contains more iron and folic acid than a men's.
- Multivitamins for menA men's multivitamin usually has little or no iron, since men need only 8.7mg a day and store it readily.
- Vitamins for over 50sAfter 50 the nutrients most worth attention are vitamin D, vitamin B12, which is absorbed less well with age, and calcium for bones.
Keep exploring
- Vitamins for tiredness and fatigue
- Lion's mane mushroom
- Collagen for skin
- Weight loss supplements
- How to choose a supplement
- Collagen with hyaluronic acid
Questions people ask
What should I know about biotin?
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin.
Can I take this with medication?
Ask a pharmacist or GP first; some supplements interact with medicines.
Do supplements replace a balanced diet?
No. They are meant to add to a varied diet, not stand in for one.
Sources
- NHS: B vitamins and folic acid (opens in a new tab)
- Great Britain nutrition and health claims register (opens in a new tab)
Checked 9 October 2026.