Pam Crutsinger Biotin Supplementation as a Method of Hair Growth Daily biotin supplements are advertised as a fast hair growth

method. In addition to accelerating growth, claims have also been made that biotin supplements will make hair thicker and less prone to breakage ("Biotin & hair," 2013). As a result, the main audience that this supplement pertains to are young women who wish to enhance their natural hair growth, men who are experiencing baldness, and individuals who may be diagnosed with alopecia. The proposed mechanisms of action in which biotin promotes hair growth include that it breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and protein as well as assists in the process of cellular division ("Biotin & hair," 2013). The source also advises individuals to consume an additional 5 mg of biotin per day on top of the daily diet and to use shampoos and conditioners containing biotin to further promote hair growth. The information from this source is concerning for three reasons: First, the explanation of the mechanism of action is troubling because biotin is a coenzyme that is required for the enzymes involved in fat, protein, and glycogen metabolism (Said, 2008). More specifically, the mechanisms that pertain to hair growth include fatty acid synthesis, the incorporation of essential amino acids and purines in the epithelial tissues, and carboxylation reactions (Nogueira, Brunetto, Jeremias, de Oliveira Sampaio Gomes, Teshima, & Carciofi, 2010). The original claim states that biotin aids in the breakdown of fats, when in reality, it helps to synthesize it (Nogueira, Brunetto, Jeremias, de Oliveira Sampaio Gomes, Teshima, & Carciofi, 2010). In addition, no research was found that could provide evidence that biotin is involved in cellular division. Second, the amount specified in the proposed supplementation is very concerning because the adequate intake for biotin is 30 mcg (0.03 mg) per day (Daniels & Hardy, 2010). The advertiser claims that individuals should add an additional 5 mg (5000 mcg) in the form of a supplement on top of the daily diet ("Biotin & hair," 2013). Biotin is found in a wide array of foods including grains, cereals, meats, eggs, and vegetables, which causes deficiencies to be highly unlikely and rare (Daniels & Hardy, 2010). Therefore, it is also unlikely that individuals need to consume such an excess of biotin because they are typically exceeding their bodys needs through dietary sources alone (Daniels & Hardy, 2010). Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin, so any excess that the body cannot utilize is excreted in the urine (Said, 2008). Third, the claim that biotin enhanced shampoo and conditioner supports hair growth is troubling because biotin is a B vitamin that can only be absorbed in the intestines though dietary sources or bacterial sources (Said, 2008). Dietary biotin is first converted to free biotin which is then absorbed in the small and large intestine by B vitamin carriers (Said, 2008). Bacterial biotin is a typical microflora in the large intestine (Said, 2008). Therefore, topical applications of biotin to the hair in the form on shampoo or conditioner have no significance and do not pertain to hair growth because it cannot be properly absorbed. After reading several articles, I believe that biotin can support hair growth to an extent. A great deal of articles discussed the presence of alopecia associated with biotin deficiencies, however, very few discussed whether or not biotin actually makes hair grow faster or stronger. Because there are few articles that provide evidence-based research on biotin directly improving hair growth and strength, I am not fully convinced that supplements are useful. From my findings and nutritional education, I have learned that individuals should avoid consuming supplements unless they truly are not receiving an adequate amount through their diet. As a result, I think that biotin supplements for hair growth are unnecessary in healthy individuals who consume a varied diet.

Resources Biotin & hair growth - powerful combination. (2013). Retrieved from www.biotinandhairgrowth.org Daniels, S., & Hardy, G. (2010, November). Hair loss in long-term or home parenteral nutrition: are micronutrient deficiencies to blame?. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/coclinicalnutrition/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2010&issue=11000&article=00015&type=abstract Nogueira, S., Brunetto, M., Jeremias, J., de Oliveira Sampaio Gomes, M., Teshima, E., & Carciofi, A. (2010, March). Respinsiveness to biotin in a dog. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.lib.utk.edu:90/ehost/detail? Said, H. M. (2008, December 3). Cell and molecular aspects of human intestinal biotin absorption. Retrieved from http://jn.nutrition.org.proxy.lib.utk.edu:90/content/139/1/158