Biotin is a vitamin and popular dietary supplement known to boost hair growth. Although the supplement is not new, its popularity is growing, especially among men who want to promote the growth of their hair and stop hair loss. However, little is known about the role of biotin in hair health and whether this supplement can really help against hair loss. What is biotin? Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B vitamin family. It is responsible for many metabolic functions in the body, most notably the conversion of food into energy. In addition, biotin is important for maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails. Biotin is found in many foods, such as egg yolks, liver, cauliflower, mushrooms, soybeans, beans, lentils, almonds, nuts, and whole grains. It is also widely available in supplement form, alone or in combination with other vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is produced naturally in the body by gut bacteria, making it easier to achieve healthy levels, which is why biotin deficiency is extremely rare. What can cause biotin deficiency? Some people may be at higher risk of a mild deficiency of the vitamin, such as children and pregnant women, people who abuse alcohol, and those deficient in biotinidase, an enzyme that releases free biotin in the body. Additionally, regular consumption of raw egg whites can lead to secondary biotin deficiency. Raw egg whites contain the protein avidin, which prevents the absorption of biotin. Signs of biotin deficiency include hair loss and a scaly, red rash around the mouth, eyes and nose. Many people rely on biotin supplements to promote hair growth, although information on their effectiveness is conflicting. How does biotin affect hair growth? Biotin plays a key role in hair growth due to its role in keratin synthesis. Keratin is the main protein that builds the hair structure and contributes to healthy hair. Biotin levels that are too low can lead to poor hair growth and loss. However, given that most people have adequate levels of the vitamin, supplementing it through diet and supplements probably won’t help with hair loss. Biotin supplementation has been reported in studies to increase hair growth in patients with an underlying nutrient deficiency. However, due to the rare observation of cases of biotin deficiency, the study authors concluded that these supplements are not effective in the general population. Additionally, there is no evidence to support that biotin supplements promote hair growth. Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia in men is the gradual loss of hair on the scalp. Since 30–50% of men experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia by the age of 50,many are looking for ways to prevent further hair loss. In a 2019 study, researchers found that men with androgenetic alopecia had slightly lower biotin levels than those without hair loss. However, the difference was not significant enough to indicate a direct link between low biotin levels and androgenic alopecia. For hair loss, it is helpful to consult a specialist to determine if there are any underlying causes for the condition. Bibliography: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Male Androgenetic Alopecia 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use 3. Healthline. Can Biotin Help Men Grow Hair?