Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our nails, skin, and hair. It is also important for our body’s metabolic processes, such as breaking down carbohydrates and fats.

Due to its numerous benefits, many people have begun taking biotin supplements in high doses. However, recent studies have shown that excessive biotin consumption can cause serious health problems, including heart damage.

Understanding Biotin

Before we delve into the risks of taking too much biotin, it is important to understand what this vitamin is and what it does in the body. Biotin is a type of B vitamin that helps our body convert food into energy.

It is necessary for the production of fatty acids, metabolism of amino acids, and the maintenance of healthy skin, nails, and hair.

Most people get enough biotin from their diet. Foods rich in biotin include liver, eggs, nuts, and avocado.

However, biotin deficiency can occur in people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, people who undergo long-term antibiotic treatment, and pregnant women. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss, dry skin, and a scaly rash around the eyes, mouth, and nose.

The Risks of Too Much Biotin

In recent years, biotin supplements have become increasingly popular, especially among those looking to improve the health of their hair, skin, and nails.

Many people also believe that taking high doses of biotin can help improve their blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and accelerate weight loss.

However, research has shown that taking excessive amounts of biotin can actually have the opposite effect on our health. In fact, taking biotin supplements in high doses can lead to serious health problems, including heart damage.

Biotin and Heart Health

According to a 2020 study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado, excessive biotin consumption can cause heart damage and lead to heart failure.

The study, which was published in The American Journal of Medicine, found that high doses of biotin can interfere with troponin, a protein that helps regulate heart muscle contraction.

When troponin levels are elevated, it is a sign that the heart muscle is damaged and that it needs to be repaired. However, in people who take high doses of biotin, the troponin levels can be falsely lowered, making it difficult to detect heart damage.

This can lead to delayed treatment and potentially fatal consequences.

Other Risks of Excessive Biotin

While heart damage is the most serious risk associated with excessive biotin consumption, there are other potential health problems to be aware of. These include:.

Acne
Increased risk of cancer
Interference with lab tests
Masking of other vitamin deficiencies

In particular, biotin can interfere with lab tests that are used to diagnose certain health conditions, such as thyroid imbalance and heart disease. This can lead to incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary medical procedures.

Safe Biotin Dosages

In order to avoid the risks of excessive biotin consumption, it is important to take biotin supplements in safe dosages. The recommended daily dosage of biotin for adults is 30 micrograms per day.

However, some studies have shown that higher dosages, up to 5000 micrograms per day, can be safe and effective for improving hair, skin, and nail health.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking biotin supplements, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are taking medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

People with kidney disease or liver problems should avoid high doses of biotin altogether.

The Bottom Line

Biotin is an important vitamin that plays a crucial role in our body’s metabolic processes, as well as the health of our nails, skin, and hair.

While biotin supplements can be beneficial in safe dosages, taking high doses of biotin can lead to serious health problems, including heart damage. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking biotin supplements, and to follow safe dosages to ensure optimal health.