Q: Along with my friends, I have been using the Biotin formula with great success. I have naturally white hair but the new hair is coming in black. Yikes! In my younger years I had very dark hair and started turning white in my 30s. I’m now in my 60s.
Any suggestions?
A: Biotin, also known as vitamin H is a B vitamin. It is necessary for the formation of fatty acids and glucose used as fuels by the body. This co-enzyme supports the health of skin, metabolism, nerves, the digestive tract and cells. It is available in many foods to include whole grain cereals, whole wheat bread, salmon, liver, chicken, dairy products, nuts, eggs, cauliflower, bananas, and Swiss chard. Because of its availability through a healthful diet, deficiency is extremely rare. Thus, supplements in healthy individuals are often considered unnecessary. When supplements are used, it is recommended adults take between 30 and 100 mcg (micrograms) per day. Dosing will vary from patient to patient so follow your physician’s direction on this one. No side effects have been reported for biotin supplements up to 10 mg (milligrams) a day.
Biotin supplements are used to treat malnutrition, rapid weight loss, thinning hair, brittle nails, diabetes, mild depression and seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Because it’s difficult to detect a deficiency in the body, many physicians must be guided by symptoms such as loss of hair color, exhaustion, hallucinations, paresthesias of the arms and legs, and a red, scaly rash on the face around the mouth, nose and eyes.
Hair contains one of two types of pigment. It gets its color from a type of pigment known as melanin. Your hair color changed early, yet we all know individuals in their 80s and 90s with dark hair. On average, most of us will find our chances of going gray or white increases between 10 and 20% every decade after the age of 30.
You failed to indicate if you are on any prescription drugs or over-the-counter supplements. There are 112 reported interactions (a total of 364 brand and generic names) known to interact with Biotin Forte with zinc. Six are considered major, 103 moderate and 3 minor. Therefore, it is extremely important with this, as with every herb or supplement, that you should have checked with your physician before including it into your daily regimen.
Did you have a reason for adding a vitamin H supplement to your daily regimen? Are you experiencing any positive (or negative) effects other than your hair changing color that either have convinced you to remain on it or question discontinuing it? My guess is that if you eat a balanced diet, you can likely discontinue the supplement unless your physician has his or her reasons for prescribing it. This simple step just might block the black hair you are seeing and return you to your treasured white hair.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
