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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Vitamins

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B7 (biotin) is considered important for maintaining hair, skin, and nail health in older adults. Age-related dietary changes may affect biotin intake. Healthcare providers can help assess whether your levels support healthy ageing.

What It Measures

This test measures biotin (vitamin B7) levels in your blood, expressed in nmol/l. It may help assess whether your body has adequate biotin for metabolic processes and structural protein maintenance. Your healthcare provider can place results in clinical context.

Why It Matters

For adults over 60, biotin may support the maintenance of hair quality, skin health, and nail strength that can change with age. Dietary patterns in later life may affect biotin intake. A healthcare provider can recommend appropriate monitoring and nutritional strategies.

When to Test

Testing may be considered when experiencing hair thinning, brittle nails, or skin rashes. Healthcare providers may also suggest testing during pregnancy, for individuals on certain medications, or those consuming large amounts of raw egg whites, which may impair biotin absorption.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low vitamin B7 may experience hair thinning or loss, brittle nails, dry or scaly skin, and fatigue. In more pronounced cases, neurological symptoms such as tingling may occur. A healthcare provider can help determine if biotin deficiency is the cause.

High Levels

Elevated biotin levels are generally considered uncommon from dietary sources alone. High-dose biotin supplementation may potentially interfere with certain laboratory tests. If you are taking biotin supplements, inform your healthcare provider before undergoing other blood tests.

Lifestyle Tips

Foods considered good sources of biotin include eggs (cooked), nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and organ meats. Cooking egg whites may help improve biotin availability. Some people may benefit from discussing supplementation with their healthcare provider for hair and nail concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does biotin really help with hair growth?
While biotin is widely marketed for hair health, scientific evidence for its effectiveness in people without deficiency is considered limited. For those with confirmed low biotin levels, supplementation may help improve hair quality. Consult your healthcare provider for evidence-based guidance.
Can biotin supplements affect other blood test results?
High-dose biotin supplementation may potentially interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid function and cardiac markers. If you are taking biotin supplements, it is important to inform your healthcare provider before any blood tests to ensure accurate results.
What causes biotin deficiency?
Biotin deficiency is considered relatively rare but may occur with prolonged consumption of raw egg whites, certain genetic conditions, some medications, or during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help identify potential causes and recommend appropriate interventions.