Biotin (Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H) is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods like eggs, milk, and bananas. Biotin is an important part of enzymes in the body that break down substances like fats, carbohydrates, and others. A balanced diet contains adequate amount of biotin in it and in this case supplementation is usually not necessary.

Brittle Nails. Long term deficiency of biotin alters fatty acid metabolism in the body.  These changes affects skin and nails as well. Biotin in the diet helps by normalising the fatty acid metabolism and so prevents brittle nails.

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Hair Loss and thinning. Sulphur molecule within the Biotin has influence on the development of skin integument (hair follicles). Biotin supplementation helps by lowering sebum production and activating hair growth within the hair follicle. Biotin supplements work only in the existing hair follicles and follicles that are lying dormant (inactive). It does not work on the follicles that are already lost.

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Dry and itchy skin. Biotin is important regulator of fatty acids within the skin. Biotin deficiency causes seborrhoeic inflammation of skin which results in red, itchy and dry skin. Biotin supplementation prevents skin abnormalities by optimizing fatty acids metabolism.

There is no known interaction with other supplements or medicine.

Biotin is a watersoluble, safe and a non-toxic vitamin even when taken in excess. It is excreted by the body  in urine easily. Rarely insomnia, excessive thirst, excessive urination, increased blood sugar level, and allergies can occur.

Weak - limited evidence, poorly designed studies, additional well designed studies are required.

Biotin is necessary for normal body function, but with a normal varied diet it is very unlikely for an adult to have a Biotin deficiency. Claims that additional Biotin supplementation will improve healthy hair, skin and nail health are by a handful (at best) of small and poorly designed studies. And at this point there isn’t enough data available to draw a conclusion one way or another.

The reason many manufactures promote Biotin supplementation for healthy hair, skin and nail health is because signs of deficiency may include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails.

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If you smoke cigarettes or if you are taking medicines for epilepsy (seizure disorder) then you should increase biotin intake.

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Ayurveda. Biotin formulations are mixed with other herbal/Ayurvedic products but are not considered to be an important constituent of Ayurveda

Traditional Chinese Medicine. Similar to Ayurveda, biotin are not regular/important constituent in Traditional Chinese Medicine.