HEALTH + FITNESS
FDA’s Warning About Biotin
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It’s the supplement found in many hair, skin and nail vitamins but the FDA has just released a new warning about Biotin, also known as vitamin B7.
In the new warning, the FDA reveals biotin may interfere with certain lab test results, stating, “Biotin in blood, or other samples taken from patients who are ingesting high levels of biotin in dietary supplements can cause clinically significant incorrect lab test results.”FDA is warning that biotin, often found in multi-vitamins, may significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect test results which may go undetected. Read more, including actions that you may need to take, here: https://t.co/n1UG0mFAcK
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) November 28, 2017
“Many lab tests use biotin technology due to its ability to bond with specific proteins which can be measured to detect certain health conditions,” the FDA statement read. “For example biotin is used in hormone tests and tests for markers of cardiac health like troponin…The FDA is aware of people taking high levels of biotin that would interfere with lab test results. Many dietary supplements promoted for hair, skin, and nail benefits contain biotin levels up to 650 times the recommended daily intake of biotin.”
The FDA is advising consumers to talk to their doctor if they are taking biotin, or considering it, and if you are having blood work done to let your healthcare provider know exactly what types of supplements you take.
“Be aware that some supplements, particularly those labeled for hair, skin, and nail benefits, may have high levels of biotin, which may not be clear from the name of the supplement,” the FDA warned consumers.
