6 Unexpected Side Effects of Biotin Consumption, Acne and Stomach Problems

Jakarta – Whether you want to improve your skin or get thicker hair and nails, biotin is a popular solution. But, like any supplement, biotin can have side effects too. Experts explain the unexpected side effects of taking biotin so you can find out if it is working against your body, not for you.

Before putting anything new into your body, it’s good to know what it is. Biotin is another name for vitamin B7, and it’s an essential ingredient for keeping your hair, skin and nails healthy,  You usually get biotin naturally through eating foods such as nuts, eggs, and seeds. But you can also choose to get additional doses of vitamins in supplement form (research suggests dosages of up to 100 micrograms)

Fortunately, the supplement is widely considered safe when taking the right dosage, according to , an internal medicine doctor. However, vitamins can also come with some unwanted side effects – so, if in doubt, consult a doctor before starting your routine.

Experts share six unexpected side effects of biotin

1. Acne

Although you may take vitamins to improve skin You, you may actually see more acne after starting the supplement. So, does biotin cause acne? Short answer: Yes, says Yoram Harth, certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne.

Your body absorbs biotin through your digestive system in the same way it absorbs another vitamin that helps prevent acne called vitamin B5, says Petrover. But if you consume too much biotin, your system is overloaded and can’t receive as much B5 as possible. The end result? Fewer vitamins fight acne, which can lead to cystic pimples along your chin and jaw, says Harth.

“Although not considered ‘dangerous’, this is a side effect that can affect your life – cystic acne can be painful,” adds dermatologist Melanie Kingsley. It can also affect your self-esteem or negate the goal of taking biotin. So if this sounds too familiar, she recommends lowering your dosage or stopping taking supplements altogether.

2. Skin rash

Skin side effects don’t stop with acne, says Tania Elliott, an allergy and immunologist. “There have been some cases of severe skin rashes due to biotin, in which blood vessels can become inflamed because the immune system perceives biotin as foreign,” he said.

Sometimes a skin rash develops due to an allergic reaction to vitamins, but other times it can occur due to an overdose of biotin. She recommends consulting with your doctor to find the right amount for you and starting with a smaller dose so your body can get used to the vitamin before you use it more regularly.

3. Allergic reactions

There is a possible reaction allergy against your biotin supplement. Symptoms include nausea, rash, or swelling of the throat and face. Although often treatable, allergic reactions can become dangerous if not treated by a medical professional. To avoid this, check with your doctor before starting a supplement to make sure you are using it safely.

4. Lab results are wrong

Depending on your dose, high levels of biotin can cause false positives or false negatives for different laboratory tests, says Petrover, such as a thyroid hormone test. And if your lab results are wrong, it could lead to a misdiagnosis, adds Okeke-Igbokwe. To avoid having to take lab work, he says to tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take while you have blood drawn.

Your doctor may even suggest that you stop taking vitamins for a while before doing laboratory tests to make sure your results are accurate. Check with your doctor if you have any upcoming tests to see when they recommend you stop your daily dose.

5. Stomach ache

Taking biotin can also damage your digestive system: side effects of biotin can include stomach problems such as nausea, cramps, and diarrhea, according to Elliott. If you experience stomach problems every time you take a supplement, it may be best to ditch your dosage to keep your digestive system healthy.

6. Interaction With Medication

Biotin can cause interactions with drugs such as anticonvulsants. The end result? This could decrease its effectiveness or cause new side effects to appear, such as more stomach problems, Kingsley says. “Any drug interaction is potentially harmful to the patient, which is why it is so important to discuss all your medications and supplements with your doctor,” he told Bustle.

Although many people use biotin without problems, it is still important to talk to your doctor if you experience anything unusual. That way, they can provide you with a safer and if necessary alternative.