STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Dermatologists frequently prescribe biotin for people with hair loss, despite a paucity of research proving it helps
- Biotin insufficiency is more rare than other nutritional deficiencies but it does happen, leading to hair loss, depression, loss of appetite and numbness and tingling
- Biotin is important in metabolism, having demonstrated the ability to improve glycemic control and strengthen nails
- Supplementation can alter blood tests, including for thyroid, vitamin D and troponin, a marker of cardiac health