Biotin-rich diets don’t hinder laser hair removal treatments; however, many patients remain uncertain which supplements and vitamins they can take prior to their treatments in order to prepare.
Biotin deficiency is rare, yet can lead to dry scaly skin, cracked corners of the mouth (cheilitis), brittle nails and hair loss. People living with conditions which make it hard for their bodies to absorb nutrients – like Crohn’s disease or those relying on parenteral nutrition through tube feeding – are especially at risk of deficiency.
Taking Biotin
From time to time, lesser-known vitamins or minerals make headlines for their skin, hair, and nail health benefits. Collagen recently made headlines as did Keratin. Now biotin appears to be getting some attention as an aid for hair growth – however does taking it actually work?
Biotin, commonly referred to as Vitamin H, is an essential B vitamin that aids the body in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins for energy. As water-soluble nutrients cannot be stored by our bodies over time, biotin must be regularly consumed by us to keep ourselves in good health.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of biotin for the United States ranges between 30 and 100 micrograms daily. A single egg contains around 10 micrograms; therefore most Americans should easily meet their RDA through balanced eating habits.
Biotin plays a pivotal role in helping our bodies use carbohydrates, fats, and proteins properly and also plays an essential part in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Furthermore, it supports pregnancy health as well as normalizing blood sugar levels during gestation. Biotin can be found naturally in foods like whole eggs, salmon, nuts, cauliflower florets – or available as supplements.
Studies suggest that biotin supplements can alleviate peripheral neuropathy symptoms among those living with type 2 diabetes. This condition, which involves numbness or tingling in hands, feet or arms and legs and leads to muscle weakness or difficulty walking, should be confirmed through further research. But more evidence needs to be collected before these findings can be confirmed definitively.
Before taking biotin or any vitamin or mineral supplements, including biotin, it is a wise idea to discuss them with your physician first. Dietary supplements do not fall under the same regulatory guidelines as pharmaceutical drugs, meaning they may not be safe or effective for all individuals.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is crucial to consume any supplements that could interfere with treatment. Tretinoin-based products like Accutane, Differin or Tazorac should also be discontinued 10 days before your appointment as they can lead to biotin deficiency which negatively affect results. Furthermore, any medications which suppress liver or digestive functions like metformin or ciprofloxacin should also be avoided prior to their procedure.
Taking Other Vitamins
Before undertaking laser hair removal, it is vitally important that you discuss any vitamin supplements with your physician. Absorption of vitamins and minerals may be compromised by other medications you are taking such as antibiotics; in addition, too much iron could cause stomachache and vomiting – it would therefore be prudent not to take multivitamins unless specifically recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Diet is essential in providing our bodies with all the vitamins they require; however, eating too many sweets or unhealthy fats could rob your body of vital vitamins that it requires for good health.
Biotin supplements may be prescribed by doctors for specific reasons. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, for instance, might need additional biotin in their diet in order to aid with the development of their baby. Furthermore, certain medical conditions increase your susceptibility to biotin deficiency: Crohn’s disease disables your body’s ability to absorb it; people suffering from genetic conditions like holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency or biotin transport deficiency cannot consume enough biotin from food sources alone.
There is no evidence to show that taking biotin supplements helps with acne, eczema or hair growth. Furthermore, if you have an underlying thyroid condition, using this supplement could interfere with lab test results; according to FDA warnings in 2019, large doses may alter troponin levels used for diagnosing heart attacks.
Keep your biotin supplements in a dark, dry place – not the bathroom! Exposure to moisture may compromise its efficacy. Furthermore, taking it with meals may improve absorption and ensure maximum benefit is gained from taking biotin supplements.
Taking Supplements
Biotin is an essential nutrient, used by your body to metabolize fats and carbohydrates efficiently while supporting healthy hair, skin and nails. Also referred to as Vitamin B7 or H, it’s found in meats, eggs, seeds, nuts legumes fruits with small amounts absorbed through urine excretion. People typically don’t become deficient in biotin like they might other vitamins and minerals, though those wanting to ensure adequate intake can take multivitamins containing biotin or increase consumption of foods rich in it.
One high-quality whole egg contains approximately 30 micrograms of biotin; other sources of the vitamin include liver, yogurt and kefir. Most people can get their recommended daily amount through eating well-balanced diets; biotin is abundantly found in most food. Biotin acts as an essential coenzyme required for protein synthesis as well as fat metabolism and nervous system functioning; its deficiency may cause hair loss, brittle nails and dry scaly skin conditions – with pregnant and breastfeeding women needing even higher amounts than usual of this vitamin than others!
Biotin supplements have long been promoted as treatments for baldness, hair loss and brittle nails; however, there is limited scientific support for such claims. Furthermore, higher doses may interfere with lab tests; those needing bloodwork should consult their doctor prior to starting biotin supplements.
Certain conditions can impede your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, such as chronic intestinal issues like Crohn’s disease or colitis, long-term antibiotic use and seizure medications. Genetic disorders like holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency and biotin transport deficiency also can result in deficiencies.
Biotin and other vitamins do not appear to interfere with laser hair removal treatments; however, it’s best to consult a physician prior to beginning any supplement regimen. While no scientific evidence supports its ability to help combat baldness directly, studies indicate it might slow hair loss and increase thickness by providing needed support.
Taking a Multivitamin
With so many benefits associated with multivitamin use, it’s essential that we understand how to select an ideal one for ourselves. Certain vitamins and minerals may interact with certain drugs; to find one tailored to meet your specific needs is key – for instance zinc may interact with antibiotics, potentially leading to skin sensitivity; therefore it is wise to speak to your healthcare provider prior to beginning multivitamin regiment.
Biotin, otherwise known as Vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that assists your body in turning food into energy and creating healthier nails, hair, and skin. Biotin also stimulates keratin production – the primary protein found in hair. Biotin can be found in many foods including eggs, salmon, sweet potatoes and avocados.
Biotin deficiency may seem rare, yet can lead to noticeable effects, including thin hair and dry, flaky skin. Corners of your mouth may dry out and crack, with magenta tongue spots (glossitis). A biotin deficiency could result from eating too few eggs and dairy products; taking long-acting antiseizure medication; or living with Crohn’s disease which makes absorbing essential vitamins difficult.
Some individuals with type 2 diabetes may benefit from taking biotin supplements to regulate blood glucose levels. Biotin may help the body use the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase more efficiently for blood sugar regulation; however, further research needs to be completed in this area.
Supplements for hair, skin and nails don’t just benefit the locks on your head – they may also reduce heart disease risk, Alzheimer’s protection and depression symptoms. Any supplements taken should be stored away from direct sunlight as prolonged UV radiation exposure can speed their breakdown more quickly. It is also wise to wait several days after laser treatments before showering hotly as this could overheat skin which could cause burns. Finally if taking antibiotics first prior to getting laser treatments.
