Biotin is essential in the body to help breakdown fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. For example, this vitamin helps regulate an enzyme that is required for the metabolism of sugar in your body. It also helps your body make substances that are coded in your genetic material.
Biotin is safe for most people when taken within recommended amounts and as a treatment for biotin deficiency.
People who have kidney disease and undergo dialysis may need to take biotin supplements.
Biotin supplements may interact with anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and primidone. These medications prevent biotin from being absorbed in the digestive tract. If you are on long-term treatment with an anti-seizure medication, talk to your health care provider before starting biotin supplements.
Another possible interaction for biotin is related to eating raw egg white. One of the substances in raw egg whites prevents biotin from being absorbed. However, you would have to eat at least 2 raw egg whites every day for a few months in order for this to cause a deficiency in biotin.
Avoid biotin supplements if you have a known allergy to it or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients found in any of the product formulations.
When used within recommended amounts, biotin is likely safe during breast-feeding and pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider before staring biotin supplements if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.