Oh no! Not another Biotin question!

I am very lost when it comes to the dosage I should be taking. First of all I'm pre-op but I'd like to know what I should be taking now AND after RNY. I have Rexall 5000 mcg.  I've been taking 1 capsule daily since that's what it says on the bottle. I've been reading here in the forums that some people are taking 2 or 3 or even more of these same capsules. I've also been reading some people taking 1000 - 5000 mgs daily.   Do they mean mcg not mg? 'Cause this bottle has 120 capsules and to take 1000 mgs I would have to take 200 capsules daily.  That cannot be right? Mayoclinic.com recomments 30-100 mcg's daily.   Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin so any excess will be "pee'd out". So why take more than required and watch my money "go down the toilet"? I have asked my nutritionist and she told me there is no need for me to take any Biotin suppliment.  She said I'm getting enough in my foods and in my daily vitamin (it has 40 mcg). So....comments anyone?

At the recommendation of my nutritionist, I take 5000 mcg daily.  You're right, they mean mcg and not mg ---- 1 mg = 1000 mcg

Again I thank you for replying Dena. My research on Biotin shows it doesn't necessarly prevent hair loss or thinning.  Mostly Biotin keeps hair, nails, and skin healthy.

I take 5000mcg per day -- just 1 tablet.  Because it's a b-vitamin, I'm not worried about overdose or toxicity, so I picked the highest dosege I cold buy.  Remember that when you see the recommended daily intake listed on placed like mayo clinic's website - they are referring to a normal digestive system.  And we tend to malabsorb nutrients after RNY.  Of course, that theory doesn't really work with every type of vitamin or nutrient because with some vitamins there's a real danger of toxicity if we take too much of it (fat soluble vitamins usually). My nutritionist told me I didn't need biotin too.  But she also told me that calcium carbonate was just fine -- so I tend to question everything she tells me.  Pam

Thanks Pam.  I realized when I read the daily intake recommended it meant for "normal" people.  That's why I was wondering. Your nutritionist must have schooled with mine.  Mine says the same thing about  biotin as well as calcium!

Yes, you can take as much biotin as you want as it will just be 'flushed down the toilet' if in excess. However, biotin is not one of the B-vitamins that you malabsorb, some take it for their hair and nails. I have clients that swear by it -- think it helps more than anything else & I have clients that it doesn't help at all. I don't discourage biotin; however, I also don't put it on my list of VITAMINS YOU HAVE TO TAKE FOR LIFE list. This one is entirely up to you. Regarding the calcium: there is more and more research coming out every other day on this. At this time, the research show that Calcium Citrate is the superior form of calcium for post-op patients. However, Calcium Carbonate can still be absorbed -- it is just not absorb AS WELL as Citrate. So, although we encourage clients to take calcium citrate over calcium carbonate, it's just a recommendation and not a rule. Don't discredit your dietitian or nutritionist just because he or she does not discourage calcium carbonate. You just may want to inform him or her that citrate is the superior form.

Thank you for all of the wonderful information Sara.