Biotin, worried?

**gthlvrmx** · April 23rd, 2011, 12:33 AM

So i have been taking biotin since november, 5,000 mcg to see if it would work. It really does work for me BUT after reading information found in Igor's old thread and several other places, and plus knowing after i read on the old GNC bottle something about not FDA approved or something like that, im getting worried about my intake and my kidneys. I switched to the Spring Valley brand a month and a half ago and so far, haven't felt bad at all no strange side affects. I am thinking of leaving it right after i am done with the bottle, i do not want to end up with problems in my sweet kidneys, and i am already taking DE until the bag runs out.
Sorry if this is in the wrong place couldn't figure out where to put it in!
Does anyone want to help me out on this move? Maybe i should take only small dosage?

**Firefox7275** · April 23rd, 2011, 06:27 AM

Not all illnesses display symptoms, some are only detectable by signs (e.g. results of blood tests). There is no reason to think the RDA or slightly above is unsafe since B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, modest excess should simply removed in your urine. It's mega-dosing that is questionable, our bodies have not evolved to cope with high intakes. Unless biotin was the only thing you changed in your lifestyle/ hair routine AND you scaled up the dose over a very long period, it's not logical to attribute any changes to megadosing biotin. That is why research studies are as rigorous as they are. Having said that, you'd be far safer discussing this with your doctor than strangers on a forum.

**gthlvrmx** · April 23rd, 2011, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Firefox7275

Not all illnesses display symptoms, some are only detectable by signs (e.g. results of blood tests). There is no reason to think the RDA or slightly above is unsafe since B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, modest excess should simply removed in your urine. It's mega-dosing that is questionable, our bodies have not evolved to cope with high intakes. Unless biotin was the only thing you changed in your lifestyle/ hair routine AND you scaled up the dose over a very long period, it's not logical to attribute any changes to megadosing biotin. That is why research studies are as rigorous as they are. Having said that, you'd be far safer discussing this with your doctor than strangers on a forum.

Ah ok thank you. Will do next time for my check up.

**celebriangel** · April 25th, 2011, 10:05 AM

I'd echo the first poster RE seeing your doctor, but I really have to add that 5000mcg is a HUGE dose! I really would reccommend that you (with your doctor's assistance) reduce your dose of this.

However please be aware that going cold turkey on this can cause rebound deficiencies, so do see your doctor and s/he can advise you a safe way to reduce your dosage.

**jojo** · April 25th, 2011, 12:43 PM

I had no symptoms apart from pain on urination and in lower back in the morning. Id had a routine bloods done and mine showed I was in stage 2 renal failure, ironic really as im a renal staff nurse. You don't always show problems until it gets to the point, where your kidneys just pack in, at this point you would have severe water retention.

I can only speculate that the excess biotin contributed to my problem, but I am 99.9% sure it did!

Renal failure is a horrible condition and most people get it through no fault of their own. I took a hair and nail supplement as well as a multi vit, as well as biotin (stupid i am a RN and should know better) it took a year for my kidneys to suffer. I wouldn't advice anybody to taken extra biotin, eat healthily instead. Its really not worth it for the sake of 1/4" hair growth a month and I especially advise against it if you have a history of hypertension.

**Panth** · April 25th, 2011, 02:41 PM

5,000mcg of biotin is over 150 times the RDA (the RDA is 30mcg). That is not just taking a bit extra, that is crazy, crazy mega-dosing in my opinion.

I think you're right to be concerned and should go see your doctor about it. I would suggest reducing your dose down to the RDA if you feel you must take it. Personally, I wouldn't take it at all.

However, considering you've been taking such a large dose for a while you might want to talk to your doctor before reducing/stopping, too. While you're there you could have a chat about any other supplements you take. Please go to see your doctor soon - this is something you want to get sorted.

**jojo** · April 25th, 2011, 05:35 PM

a lot depends on her diet too, if she has sufficient biotin levels and tops up with supplements its easy to over do it. Although the B group vitamins are water soluble and yes the kidneys will excrete any excess, it still makes the kidneys work harder.

I can only share my experience and hope people will use my example as a reason for not taking unnecessary supplements. Its up to you if you want to take the chance, many do.

**Tressie** · April 25th, 2011, 06:59 PM

Jojo, It's kind of you to share with us. Hoping you will get a turn around. I believe all things are possible with faith! Hugs!

**MaiCarInMtl** · April 26th, 2011, 08:35 AM

Oh wow, I didn't know it could cause problems like this. I did notice that I was breaking out like a teenager when I started taking biotin (about 5000mcg) every day so I reduced to every 2nd day and now I haven't taken any in months. The breakouts alone weren't worth the increased hair growth but now that I see the other possible side effects... well forget it. Instead, I am trying to remember to take a B50 complex vitamin along with my multi.

**Babyfine** · April 26th, 2011, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by jojo

I had no symptoms apart from pain on urination and in lower back in the morning. Id had a routine bloods done and mine showed I was in stage 2 renal failure, ironic really as im a renal staff nurse. You don't always show problems until it gets to the point, where your kidneys just pack in, at this point you would have severe water retention.

I can only speculate that the excess biotin contributed to my problem, but I am 99.9% sure it did!

Renal failure is a horrible condition and most people get it through no fault of their own. I took a hair and nail supplement as well as a multi vit, as well as biotin (stupid i am a RN and should know better) it took a year for my kidneys to suffer. I wouldn't advice anybody to taken extra biotin, eat healthily instead. Its really not worth it for the sake of 1/4" hair growth a month and I especially advise against it if you have a history of hypertension.

Jojo, that's awful-has the condition improved for you? I hope so!
I myself have cut way back on vitamins except for a daily multivitamin that I take every other day. I agree with you and others that have posted-you can really overdose on vitamins.
I was taking some heavy duty vitamins and had a pain in my side about a year ago. I quit taking the vitamins and the pain went away.Don't know if it was the vitamins or coincidence. A recent physical showed me to be in good health. But I try to get a lot of my nutrients through food, intead, now.