Who should use biotin?

Individuals with a biotin deficiency should take biotin supplementation under their doctor's direction. Conditions that have been shown to benefit from taking biotin include:

• deficiency due to long-term use of antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs, long-term intravenous feeding, malabsorption in the intestine, and regularly eating raw egg whites; and
• genetic metabolism disorders such as biotinidase deficiency, seen primarily in individuals of Saudi Arabian descent.

The following conditions may be helped by biotin, but the research regarding the effectiveness is still lacking:

• Diabetes type 2: Early research shows biotin improves glucose tolerance and decreases insulin resistance and triglycerides in individuals with type 2 diabetes. When combined with chromium, biotin may decrease cholesterol levels and the risk of developing atherosclerosis ("clogged arteries").
• Brittle fingernails
• Nutrition deficiency in developing fetuses
• Peripheral neuropathy

Discuss any supplementation with your doctor.