How Much Biotin Per Day Should I Take?

Quick Health Scoop

• Vitamin B7 (better known as biotin) is an essential nutrient that are involved in cellular energy metabolism and supports nervous system function
• It’s recommended adults ages 19 and over consume 30 mcg of biotin each day ¹
• Biotin is generally considered safe at 2500 mcg and higher
• Biotin can be consumed from food or a dietary supplement either in the morning or at night, the important thing is to regularly consume enough of this vital B vitamin 
• A biotin deficiency is rare¹

If you’ve ever looked into nutrients to support healthy hair and skin, or a supplement like nail hair skin gummies, you’ve probably heard of Biotin. Biotin (or vitamin B7) is an essential B vitamin found in many foods that is involved in cellular energy metabolism and nervous system function. Another familiar B vitamin is folic acid, known as vitamin B9. Energy metabolism is how the body turns the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that you eat into the cellular energy your body needs to function properly.¹ Biotin also contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, nails, and healthy hair.² So, the answer to “how much biotin should I take” really depends on what you’re looking for.^†

Learn More: Vitamins for Energy

Most people get an adequate intake of biotin from their diets alone.¹ But if you want to make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient, or if you’re looking to increase your daily biotin intake, here are some key questions answered and a few guidelines to help you get started. 

How Much Biotin To Take Daily 

For adults ages 19 and over, the average daily recommended amount for biotin is 30 mcg.¹ At this dosage, it supports all the basic things your body needs biotin for like metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats.^†

Biotin is also beneficial for your hair and skin health. Even lower dosages of this nutrient can have a positive impact if you’re not getting enough from your diet or if you have a biotin deficiency (which is rare in the United States).^† 

How Much Biotin Per Day Do I Need?3

Learn More: What is Biotin Good For?

Can You Take Too Much Biotin?

Not really! Even at higher dosages, excess biotin has not been shown to cause any harm.¹ Biotin has been used in clinical studies and in the clinical setting in doses as high as 5 mg/day (5,000 mcg/day) for up to two years. Because reports of adverse events were lacking when the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) were established by the Food and Nutrition Board in 1998, there was no tolerable Upper Level (UL) established for biotin.⁸ But if you’re taking a biotin supplement, always follow the instructions on the label, and consult with your physician if you are taking medication or planning to undergo lab testing. Stop use if you notice any adverse reactions.¹

That said, consuming a biotin supplement may cause false results in some lab tests, such as tests that measure thyroid hormone levels.¹

Should I Take Biotin At Morning Or At Night?

You can take biotin either in the morning or at night. The important thing here is consistency. 

Biotin is a water soluble vitamin, meaning that our bodies don’t really store biotin. They use what they need and flush out the rest on a daily basis, through our urine.⁴

So, it doesn’t really matter when you consume biotin or take your biotin tablet, so long as you consume enough regularly, over time. 

Learn more: When Is The Best Time To Take Vitamins?

How Do I Know If I Need More Biotin?

Most people get enough biotin from their diets alone. Certain populations, however, may struggle more than others to get enough biotin. These include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women^1,5
• People with alcohol dependence¹

While a biotin deficiency is rare in the United States, it is possible to have a biotin “nutrient gap.” A nutrient gap can occur when your dietary intake of biotin is lower than the minimum recommended amount, in this case lower than 30 mcg.⁶ Over time, if this gap continues, it can turn into a nutrient deficiency.⁶ If you experience symptoms, such as brittle nails, thinning hair or hair loss, you may have a biotin deficiency.¹

Learn More: What is Biotin Deficiency?

What Are Some Food Sources of Biotin?

If you’re looking to increase your biotin intake, you’re in luck! Biotin is found in lots of different and delicious foods. Here are just a few examples:^3,5

Shop Biotin Supplements

The Bottom Line

If you want to know how much biotin to take, start with what you’re looking for. Most people have a normal biotin level from their diets alone, as the average daily recommended amount of biotin is a mere 30 mcg for adults 19 and over. But biotin is also generally considered safe and tolerable even at higher dosages.^{1, 7} You can consume biotin or take a biotin supplement at morning or at night, the key here is that you regularly get enough of this nutrient. 

If you’re looking to supplement with biotin, talk to your healthcare professional about which dosages are best for you. If you’re looking to start small, try increasing your biotin intake with foods such as eggs, salmon, cheddar cheese, pork, sweet potatoes, or sunflower seeds.^3,5 However you choose to sneak this essential nutrient into your diet is up to you!

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† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 References

1. National Institutes of Health. “Biotin: Fact Sheet for Consumers.” Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
2. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). "Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for biotin." EFSA Journal 12.2 (2014): 3580.
3. National Institutes of Health. “Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” Office of Dietary Supplements. 2021. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
4. MedlinePlus. “Vitamins.” US National Library of Medicine. 2021. Accessed on: October 8, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm
5. Oregon State University. “Biotin.” Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. 2015. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/biotin
6. Oregon State University. “Micronutrient Inadequacies in the US Population: an Overview.” 2018. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. 2018. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview#shortfall-micronutrients 
7. Council for Responsible Nutrition. “Biotin.” Vitamin and Mineral Safety 3 Ed. 2013. Accessed on: June 16, 2022. https://www.crnusa.org/sites/default/files/files/resources/17-CRNVMS3-BIOTIN.pdf
8. Harvard School of Public Health. “Biotin - Vitamin B7.” July 2019. Accessed June 16, 2022. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/