As a clinician specializing in hair growth, one of the most common questions I get is about biotin. It’s in everything from gummies to shampoos, hailed by marketers as the ultimate solution.

The truth is that for most people, biotin is not only not a miracle cure, but it's not anywhere close to the root of the hair loss issue.

Let's talk about why you can probably put that high-dose biotin gummy or supplement situation down. Or better yet, save your money when you're served an ad for one.

The Role Biotin Plays

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient. In short, it helps your body convert food into energy by acting as a coenzyme in the body, helping to metabolize fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose.

Because it is essential for keratin synthesis—the protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails—it’s easy to see how the connection to hair growth was made.

The problem with that? True biotin deficiency is incredibly rare in developed countries.

The wellness industry has successfully positioned biotin as a must-have for hair growth. However, the marketing far outpaces the science.

"Less than 3% of people will have a genetic deficiency for biotin. So it's really a 97% chance that biotin will not work for you, which is really upsetting to know that that's the go-to for many people for hair growth."

– Margaret Z., PA-C

The Truth About Biotin and Hair Loss

Many gummies, capsules, and powders feature biotin as the main ingredient—sometimes delivering 5,000, 10,000, or even 20,000 micrograms per serving.

For context, the recommended daily intake for adults is only 30 micrograms. That means a single dose of some of these products contains more than 16,000%—and sometimes even up to 66,000%—of what most people actually need in a day. With this kind of marketing, it’s easy to believe more is better, but in reality, these oversized doses simply aren’t necessary for the average person.

Our bodies only need a small amount of biotin, around 30 mcg per day for adults. Not only is it found in many common foods like eggs, nuts, and chicken, but the bacteria in our gut also produce it. Most people get more than enough through their regular diet.

Unless you have a specific, rare genetic disorder (like biotinidase deficiency) or a condition that impairs nutrient absorption, it is highly unlikely that a lack of biotin is causing your hair to thin.

So, What Does Biotin Actually Do?

This isn't to say biotin is useless. It is a vital nutrient, and in cases of a true, diagnosed deficiency, supplementation is absolutely necessary.

But for the average person experiencing hair thinning, focusing solely on biotin is like watering only one patch of grass and expecting the whole lawn to flourish. Hair loss is a complex issue with multiple potential root causes, including:

• Hormonal imbalances (like DHT)

• Stress

• Inflammation

• Oxidative damage

• Nutritional gaps beyond just biotin

A truly effective approach requires a multi-targeted solution that addresses these underlying factors.

Who Is Good for Biotin?

While biotin deficiency is rare, other nutritional deficiencies are not. Hair loss can sometimes be an early sign of underlying health issues—especially when important nutrients like iron, vitamin D, zinc, or ferritin are low.

Here’s when targeted supplementation, including biotin, may matter:

• People with prior gastric or bariatric surgery: Reduced stomach acid and changes in absorption can increase the risk for deficiencies in iron, B12, and zinc.

• Women with heavy periods or postpartum blood loss: Ongoing iron loss may lead to low ferritin, a common cause of diffuse hair shedding that’s often missed.

• Vegetarians or vegans: A lack of heme iron and certain amino acids may impact keratin synthesis and hair growth.

• Patients with hypothyroidism, PCOS, or autoimmune conditions: These issues can deplete nutrients and increase inflammation, compounding hair thinning.

• Anyone with restrictive eating patterns or malabsorption syndromes (celiac, Crohn’s, IBS): Absorption of iron, B12, zinc, or vitamin D might be compromised.

Hair loss rarely has a single cause—and it’s almost never just about biotin.

The Danger of "More is More": Lab Test Interference

If biotin deficiency is rare, what's the harm in taking extra just in case? This is where the marketing hype becomes genuinely problematic. Many popular supplements contain "mega-doses" of biotin—often 5,000 to 10,000 mcg, which is over 16,000% of your recommended daily intake.

While biotin is water-soluble and excess amounts are typically flushed from the body, these high doses can cause serious issues with lab tests. In 2017, the FDA issued a safety warning that high levels of biotin can interfere with diagnostic blood tests, leading to incorrect results.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Heart Health: Biotin can cause falsely low results on troponin tests, a key biomarker used to diagnose heart attacks. This could lead to a missed diagnosis in a critical, life-threatening situation.

• Thyroid Function: It can also interfere with thyroid hormone tests, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis of Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism and inappropriate treatment.

• Other Tests: The interference can also affect tests for hormone levels, vitamin D, and even pregnancy.

To avoid these risks, it is generally recommended to stop taking biotin supplements at least 72 hours before any lab work. However, the simplest solution is to avoid taking these unnecessary mega-doses in the first place.

A Smarter, Biotin-Free Approach to Natural Hair Wellness

We offer Votesse, a physician-formulated, biotin-free hair health supplement. It leaves biotin out intentionally, focusing instead on ingredients that are clinically shown to support hair growth from multiple angles.

Votesse's blend includes:

• DHT blockers like saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and pumpkin seed target hormonal hair thinning directly.

• Antioxidants like green tea extract and N-acetyl-cysteine help protect follicles from oxidative stress.

• Amino acids like cystine and arginine support keratin production and follicle strength.to help strengthen hair and promote a healthier appearance.

Instead of overloading your system with a single vitamin you likely don’t need, Votesse provides a comprehensive, scientifically-backed approach.

Your Path to Healthier Hair

Navigating the world of hair loss supplements can be overwhelming. Marketers often prey on our insecurities with promises of a quick fix in a bottle. By understanding the science, you can make informed decisions that truly support your hair health goals.

If you’re concerned about hair thinning, the best first step is to book a consult with a qualified professional. From there, you can build a targeted treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Hair loss is rarely about just one thing. And it’s definitely not about biotin alone.