Biotin is vitamin B7 and contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. This guide explains its nutritional role, the 2000 µg portion in KeratinCell and what to tell your clinician before a blood test. If you are experiencing hair loss, identifying its cause is an important part of choosing suitable care.
What does biotin do?
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin involved in nutrient metabolism. It occurs in a range of foods, including cooked eggs, fish, meat, nuts and seeds. Deficiency is uncommon in people eating a varied diet. A hair change alone does not tell you whether your biotin intake is low.
Biotin and the maintenance of normal hair
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. The NIH fact sheet below brings together its nutritional roles, intake information and research on hair and nails. When exploring individual studies, look at the participants, study design and outcome measured.
How much is in a supplement?
The EU nutrient reference value for biotin is 50 µg. KeratinCell supplies 2000 µg, equal to 2 mg and 4000% of that labelling reference, in its recommended two-capsule portion. Use the amount per daily portion to compare formulas and account for biotin in any other supplements you take.
Using biotin with appropriate precautions
A tolerable upper intake level has yet to be established for biotin, so follow the product’s recommended portion. Biotin can affect certain laboratory assays. Check the complete formula as well, including the iron and botanical extracts, when deciding whether the product is suitable for you.
KeratinCell: amounts in two capsules
| Declared ingredient | Recommended daily portion |
|---|---|
| AnaGain™Nu pea-sprout extract | 100 mg |
| Nettle-leaf extract | 100 mg, including 1 mg beta-sitosterol |
| MSM | 100 mg |
| L-cystine | 100 mg |
| L-cysteine | 100 mg |
| L-methionine | 100 mg |
| Iron | 10 mg — approximately 71.4% NRV |
| Biotin | 2000 µg — 4000% NRV |
The pack contains 60 HPMC capsules: 30 daily portions at two capsules per day. The formula is suitable for vegetarians and combines the oral pea-sprout ingredient AnaGain™Nu with sulphur-containing MSM, amino acids, iron and biotin. The table above shows the amount of each ingredient in the recommended portion.
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
Read the full KeratinCell ingredients and directions
Before a blood test: tell the clinician about biotin
Tell the doctor and laboratory what you take, the dose and when you last took it. Some thyroid, hormone and troponin tests can be affected, potentially giving misleading results. The appropriate pause, if needed, depends on the assay and your situation: do not assume a universal “stop for two or three days” rule. Do not delay urgent care to wait for biotin to clear; tell the care team that you use it.
Who should not use KeratinCell?
The label excludes children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and anyone allergic to an ingredient. Do not exceed two capsules daily. Discuss regular medicines and overlapping supplements with a doctor or pharmacist. Store at 5–25°C, protected from light and moisture and out of reach of small children. Food supplements do not replace a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
What is biotin’s recognised role for hair?
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair. KeratinCell combines biotin with seven other declared ingredients in its recommended two-capsule daily portion.
How should I compare biotin amounts?
Compare the amount in the recommended daily portion and read the whole formula. Include other supplements in the total, and tell your clinician about biotin before planned blood tests.
Can I take it with a B-complex?
Review both labels and add up the combined biotin and other nutrient amounts. A pharmacist or clinician can help you check whether the combination fits your needs and any planned blood tests.
Hair and nails: nutrition, care and supplement choices