Question:
Usuage of Biotin

I have been told to take Biotin for hair loss. I was also told to take 5000mg per day. My question is....since the pills are 1000mg do i take 5 all at once or spread then thruout the day? How long before you notice a difference? I have just started seeing a little hair loss and want to stop it before it gets too bad. Also, heard it is great for the fingernails!    — muffin1837 (posted on October 23, 2007)

October 23, 2007
First, check to make sure those are MCG not MG! You can buy the 5000 mcg pills. I get mine at Walmart for under $7. The damage has already been done since you have already started seeing hair loss. The Biotin (nor anything else) will NOT stop it. It will help make the new growth go a lot faster, but it WILL take some time depending on how fast your hair normally grows. My nails LOVE the Biotin also. I take one in the a.m., one in the p.m. and sometimes one in the afternoon. Good luck, God bless and welcome to the losing side!
   — crystalsno

October 23, 2007
Who told you take biotin? And was it before or after surgery? I have been hearing about it as well and haven't had surgery yet and wondered if it is something I should start taking now. I was concerned that it might interact with some of my meds I take now. I don't want anything to come between me and surgery. November 26 will be here before we know it. :)
   — cmbirkey

October 23, 2007
I was told by my doctor to take 5mg of biotin per day for hair loss. Double check your bottle you probably have 1000mcg not 1000mg. If it's 1000mcg then you can take 5 of them to make the 5mg. GOOD LUCK !!!
   — AngelaC.

October 23, 2007
In our program we are to start taking Biotin before surgery. It makes the hair shaft thicker and stronger. The required amount for us is 3mg a day. I take 5mg or 5000mcg. You can find 5000mcg at Walgreens in capsule form for around $10.00. The good thing is that your hair loss will slow down and then re-growth will start. It just takes around 4-5 months to start. Good luck.
   — Paula K.

October 23, 2007
I am 6 mo out from RNY. Massive hair loss and minimal regrowth. My nutritionist started me on a 'cocktail' of supplements for hair, including biotin, flaxseed oil, and silica. Still no change in 4 mo. Nails are spliting and cracking, large amounts of hair loss daily. Fortunately had a good head of hair to start with! Other suggestions are good. Make sure to double check if you need mg or mcg - BIG difference. Good luck!
   — pvmeulen

October 25, 2007
It just may be that no matter what you take, your hair will fall out and start growing back in a few months and maybe better than ever. I have talked to people who have taken Biotin, I did take it, and some have used Nioxin shampoo and nothing they did helped. Due to the jolt on your body by the surgery, hair will fall out, but give it time, it will return.
   — KRWaters