Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Vitamin B7 (biotin) is considered important for women's hair, skin, and nail health. Hormonal changes and pregnancy may increase biotin needs. Healthcare providers can help assess whether supplementation may be beneficial for you.
What It Measures
This test measures biotin (vitamin B7) levels in your blood, expressed in nmol/l. It may help assess whether your body has adequate biotin for metabolic processes and structural protein maintenance. Your healthcare provider can place results in clinical context.
Why It Matters
For women, biotin may play a role in maintaining hair quality, nail strength, and skin health, particularly during hormonal transitions. Pregnancy may increase biotin requirements. A healthcare provider can help determine if your levels need attention and recommend appropriate care.
When to Test
Testing may be considered when experiencing hair thinning, brittle nails, or skin rashes. Healthcare providers may also suggest testing during pregnancy, for individuals on certain medications, or those consuming large amounts of raw egg whites, which may impair biotin absorption.
Symptoms
Low Levels
Some people with low vitamin B7 may experience hair thinning or loss, brittle nails, dry or scaly skin, and fatigue. In more pronounced cases, neurological symptoms such as tingling may occur. A healthcare provider can help determine if biotin deficiency is the cause.
High Levels
Elevated biotin levels are generally considered uncommon from dietary sources alone. High-dose biotin supplementation may potentially interfere with certain laboratory tests. If you are taking biotin supplements, inform your healthcare provider before undergoing other blood tests.
Lifestyle Tips
Foods considered good sources of biotin include eggs (cooked), nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and organ meats. Cooking egg whites may help improve biotin availability. Some people may benefit from discussing supplementation with their healthcare provider for hair and nail concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does biotin really help with hair growth?
While biotin is widely marketed for hair health, scientific evidence for its effectiveness in people without deficiency is considered limited. For those with confirmed low biotin levels, supplementation may help improve hair quality. Consult your healthcare provider for evidence-based guidance.
Can biotin supplements affect other blood test results?
High-dose biotin supplementation may potentially interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid function and cardiac markers. If you are taking biotin supplements, it is important to inform your healthcare provider before any blood tests to ensure accurate results.
What causes biotin deficiency?
Biotin deficiency is considered relatively rare but may occur with prolonged consumption of raw egg whites, certain genetic conditions, some medications, or during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help identify potential causes and recommend appropriate interventions.