Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B7 (biotin)
For the body system: Nails

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is commonly used in dietary supplements aimed at improving nail health, particularly to address brittle nails. There is scientific validation, though limited, for its use in this context. Several small studies and case reports have suggested that biotin supplementation may improve the firmness, hardness, and thickness of brittle nails. A notable study conducted in the 1990s reported that 2.5 mg of biotin daily for several months improved nail strength in about two-thirds of participants with brittle nails. However, these studies are generally small, not placebo-controlled, and often lack rigorous methodology.

Despite the modest evidence, biotin supplementation is widely promoted and used for nail health, likely because true biotin deficiency (which is rare) can cause brittle nails, as well as hair thinning and skin rash. For individuals with a clinically diagnosed deficiency, biotin supplementation is justified and effective. For the general population, especially those without a deficiency, the benefit of biotin supplementation for nail strength is less clear and not strongly supported by large, high-quality clinical trials. Major health organizations acknowledge that more research is needed before recommending biotin for nail health in the general population.

Overall, while there is some scientific evidence to support biotin's use for brittle nails, it is limited in quality and scope, so the evidence rating is moderate to low.

More about Vitamin B7 (biotin)
More about Nails

Other body systems supported by Vitamin B7 (biotin)

Hair
Nails
Skin

Products containing Vitamin B7 (biotin)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.