Biotin has been a hot topic since cosmetic remedies took over the hair care game. Once hailed as the key to unlocking the full potential of your hair, unsupervised consumption of biotin is now being called a leading cause of hair fall.
Experts across the internet suggest that consuming biotin or Vitamin E supplements and getting keratin treatments can work only when it bridges the gap towards your body’s need for essential nutrients. Beyond these necessary levels, excessive nutrient intake only does more harm than good.
Also Read: Best Biotin-Rich Foods To Eat For Healthy Hair
Biotin Can Cause Hair Fall
Biotin or Vitamin B7, aids in the formation of keratin, regulates metabolism, and supplies essential nutrients to hair follicles. This wonder nutrient also helps in processing fats, proteins, and carbs, regulating blood sugar, and is vital in reducing hair loss. Since biotin is not produced by the body naturally, it has become a famous supplement in hair care cosmetics.
However, overconsumption of biotin can also worsen your hair woes. This has been highlighted in a study by the Hair Research Society of India, which concluded, ‘biotin supplementation is to be rejected unless biotin deficiency and its significance for the complaint of hair loss in an individual has been demonstrated.’
There can be thousands of reasons behind hair thinning or hair loss. Iron deficiency, alopecia, and thyroid disorder are some of the underlying medical issues that are known to increase hair fall. Treating yourself exclusively with oral biotin often leads to neglect or delay of appropriate treatment of hair loss. Additionally, overconsumption of biotin can make your body’s internal processes go haywire or lead to biotin buildup, one side-effect of which is hair loss.
Consider This Before Taking Multivitamin For Hair
Reportedly, It is normal to lose around 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. But if you notice an abnormal increase in hair fall for more than three months, visit a doctor immediately. Do not divert your concern by relying on multivitamins, collagen or biotin supplements. Consult a healthcare provider and get a blood test to assess your levels of S-calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, S-ferritin, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and a thyroid profile. This will help you diagnose the root cause of hair fall. Depending on your nutrient deficiencies, the healthcare provider will prescribe multivitamins or biotin supplements to you. Biotin deficiencies can be successfully addressed directly with nutritional supplementation at a dosage of 5 mg per day.
Also Read: Are Biotin Hair Gummies Effective & Safe? Know From Expert 5 Healthy Alternatives Available At Home
Although hair growth-boosting supplements can work wonders, yet there is no substitute for a well-balanced diet and clean lifestyle to boost your hair growth. Some of the important nutrients, whose sources you must incorporate into your daily diet are:
- Vitamin A: It boosts cellular growth and aids your hair strands to get thicker.
- Vitamin C: It helps in the production of keratin, the elementary unit of strong hair, and is essential to reduce hair fall.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D aids Vitamin C and biotin to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage.
- B Vitamins: This group of vitamins is comprised of eight water-soluble vitamins that are integral to cellular metabolism and help make hair strands stronger.
- Vitamin E: It improves blood circulation, which prevents your scalp from getting dry and itchy.
- Zinc and folic acid: A deficiency of these two minerals can lead to hair loss.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: It is highly revered for aiding shiny, lustrous locks. It also keeps the scalp healthy and nourishes the hair follicles reducing inflammation.
Although biotin and multivitamins are often prescribed by dermatologists for inhibiting hair loss, taking these supplements without proper diagnosis can cause an overdose, which is way more harmful to your hair and overall well-being. To boost your hair health, avoid biotin or multivitamins until their deficiency is detected in your body. Instead, stick to a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, keep yourself hydrated, and stay physically active on a regular basis. Avoid unnecessary hair products and heated styling tools. And finally, routinely indulge in hot oil scalp massages that can boost the nutrition absorbed by your scalp and the flow of blood to your hair follicles, taking you another step closer to beautiful, strong, and healthy hair.
