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Hair fall is a common health issue that affects many people. The reasons for hair fall can be many, as people, depending on their environment as well as nutritional intake, can suffer from this issue. The severity of hair fall can depend on the health of your hair follicles and scalp, as well as daily nutritional intake. A specific biotin absorption problem or deficiency can occur if someone is allergic to a drink or food. This can unknowingly contribute to hair fall and make it harder to address the issue.
While normal hair shedding is necessary for new hair strands to grow, when a lack of biotin is present in the body, then the issue needs to be addressed. A controlled dose of biotin supplements for a specific period is necessary for new hair strands to grow. On the other hand, if your biotin levels are normal, then you may not benefit as much from biotin supplements.
What Is Biotin And Why Is It Important For Hair Health?
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays an important role in your daily energy levels and can even affect your metabolism. The vitamin is necessary for the body to process fats, carbohydrates, and proteins that your daily plate is able to give you.
This vitamin also plays a role in keratin production that is necessary for your hair, skin, and nail health.
Research published in the Skin Appendage Disorders Journal suggests that a confirmed biotin deficiency on your blood report can benefit you from a course of biotin supplements.
But the exact effect on your hair growth can vary, as many people don't pay much attention to their diet and lifestyle as well as the impact of their environment when it comes to hair fall.
Can Biotin Really Help Severe Hair Fall?
A biotin deficiency that has been identified can be treated with biotin supplements. But their exact dose and duration of supplementation also show varying effects. It is important to note that there are many causes of hair fall besides a biotin deficiency, such as:
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Thyroid disorders
- PMOS or Polystic Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome
- Zinc deficiency
- Female pattern hair loss
- Stress-related hair loss
What Is The Recommended Daily Biotin Dosage?
The dose of biotin supplements that could work on severe rainfall is about 30 micrograms per day as per the Dermato Journal. One of the main factors that needs to be considered with this dose is the absorption factor, as certain formulations don't work on everyone.
Note: If you think that a high dose of a biotin supplement could cause your hair growth to be faster, then this could prove to have side effects.
Signs That Your Hair Fall Could Be Linked To Biotin Deficiency
If your hair fall is linked to a biotin deficiency, then your body presents with signs that could factor into your doctor's decision for the treatment course. These signs could be:
- Hair thinning
- Brittle nails
- Skin issues
- Fatigue or feeling too tired all the time
- Risk factors for deficiency
Note: A definite biotin deficiency can only be detected by a blood test; there is no way to say otherwise. As some people have hair fall related to other factors, which need a doctor's consultation.
Who May Benefit Most From Biotin Supplements?
Biotin supplements may benefit people who have been medically diagnosed with a deficiency.
It can even benefit people with other health conditions, as the supplements have many health benefits when they are used carefully; these benefits can be:
- People with diagnosed deficiency
- Certain digestive disorders
- Individuals with nutritional deficiencies
- People on restrictive diets, as their daily nutritional intake is limited
Note: Those who are allergic to green tea can suffer from hair fall that can last for a prolonged period if their system doesn't accept the catechins in it.
Foods Naturally Rich In Biotin
The naturally occurring high-biotin foods that should be a part of your diet are as follows:
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Salmon
- Sweet potatoes
- Legumes
The exact proportion of these foods depends on your daily nutritional requirements.
How Long Does Biotin Take To Show Results?
The estimated timeline for biotin supplements to actually work on severe hair fall is between 3 and 6 months, as the hair grows slowly.
Your hair follicles need time to complete their growth cycle, which can get disrupted when a biotin deficiency is present.
The duration of consuming biotin supplements for severe hair loss can affect the impact on hair strands.
Can Taking Too Much Biotin Be Harmful?
Research published in the Skin Appendage Disorders mentions that an excess of biotin supplements could result in side effects that need to be managed. Other health risks that you may experience can be as follows:
- Incorrect diagnosis of the actual underlying medical condition.
- Your deficiency tests can show differences that make it harder for the doctor to prescribe treatment.
- Unnecessary supplementation is a health concern, as many people are on supplements when they don't actually need them.
When Hair Fall Needs Medical Attention
There are clear signs when your severe hair fall has turned into a medical emergency, which can be:
- Sudden excessive shedding
- Bald patches
- Hair loss with fatigue or weight changes
- Signs of thyroid disorders, anaemia, PMOS or nutrient deficiencies
Biotin supplements for severe hair fall could work for those who have a deficiency, but those with other health issues need to identify the cause.
Also Read: Hair Fall To Brain Fog: Doctor Shares Simple Changes To Prevent Major Health Issues
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.