Sophie Medlin
Head of Nutritional Research
March 17, 2020
2 min read
Major Functions
Converting food into energy - Fat breakdown
In every dose
50mcg (equal to 10 cans of cooked salmon or 8 cups of almonds)
Fighting Talk
There is promising evidence to suggest high-dose biotin supplementation may help to decline or even reverse MS-related disability.
What’s in it for my brain?
Biotin may play a role in brain and nerve function, particularly within the peripheral nervous system (the part that sends information from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body).
Fringe benefits
Needed for the breakdown of fats
Some limited evidence that it may benefit skin, hair and nails
Plays well with
All other B vitamins for energy release
Zinc for skin
Evidence
Here’s a handful of relevant scientific studies on biotin.
Koutsikos, D., Agroyannis, B., & Tzanatos-Exarchou, H. (1990). Biotin for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy, 44(10), 511-514.
Osada, K., Komai, M., Sugiyama, K., Urayama, N., & Furukawa, Y. (2004). Experimental study of fatigue provoked by biotin deficiency in mice. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin-und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition, 74(5), 334-340.
Tourbah, A., Lebrun-Frenay, C., Edan, G., Clanet, M., Papeix, C., Vukusic, S., ... & Defer, G. (2016). MD1003 (high-dose biotin) for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 22(13), 1719-1731.
For more information on how to help your brain thrive, read Dr Tara Swart's easy advice here.