Supplements for hair and nails can cause dangerously false lab results, says the FDA.
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that many people take in an effort to improve the health of their hair, nails and skin. Strangely, it’s also known as vitamin H, but the important thing to know is that it helps your body convert food into useable energy. Very important. For some people, however, it could pose a problem.
A statement issued by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that biotin might interfere with certain lab tests. It can cause incorrect results that can go undetected.
The thing is, biotin can interfere with lab tests and cause a falsely low result for something called troponin.
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This is essential to know because troponin is a clinically important biomarker that aids in diagnosing a heart attack. A falsely low result can mean a missed diagnosis: serious business.
What contains biotin? According to the FDA, many multivitamins including prenatal supplements and dietary supplements for hair, skin and nail growth can be problematic. A regular daily dosage is about 0.03 mg and this shouldn’t cause problems. Some supplements for hair, skin and nails can go as high as 20 mg however, and this can cause significant interference with lab results.
If you’re taking biotin supplements or you’re not sure how much you are getting on a daily basis, talk with your doctor to ensure clear communication.
Do you have further questions? The FDA states you can email the Division of Industry Communication and Education (DICE) at [email protected] or call 800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100.
