Supplements claiming to enhance one’s physical appearance have skyrocketed in popularity.
From 2011 to 2020, the percentage of Americans who used hair, skin and nail vitamins in the last month doubled from 2.5% to 4.9%, according to the report. CNBC Make It.
However, experts point out the risks and dangers of these beauty supplements. Researchers told the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology that these supplements are often packed with more biotin than the body needs.
Rebecca Hartman, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and one of the study’s authors, warned that excess biotin “can alter the results of tests ordered by health care providers, such as thyroid and heart tests.” ing. [and] In some cases, a vitamin D test may also be done. “
The recommended daily dose of biotin for adults is 0.03 milligrams. In some cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out that capsules are packed with as much as 650 times that dose.
Such high doses of biotin can lead to inaccurate diagnoses of hyperthyroidism and hinder detection of heart attacks, said Adam Friedman, Ph.D., a professor of dermatology at George Washington University. Masu. He highlights the seriousness of the deaths caused by missing heart attack signs from high levels of biotin.
Friedman says biotin deficiency, which is commonly found in foods and multivitamins, is rare. “You’d probably end up in the hospital,” he stressed, rather than buying biotin at the store.
Eating a balanced diet is the natural way to get “beauty” nutrients like biotin and collagen. Collagen’s skin benefits have been suggested, but studies aren’t conclusive, says Hartmann.
Foods rich in biotin include egg yolks, beans, nuts and seeds. For collagen, fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables high in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, along with meat, bone broth, gelatin, dairy, beans, and soybeans, help produce it.
Before you buy any supplement for nails, hair and skin, ask yourself:
- Are active ingredients listed?
- What is the evidence to support the specified amount?
- Can the manufacturer be trusted?
- Has it passed 3rd party testing for contaminants?
- Have you consulted a doctor?
Collagen, which is promoted for skin health, often contains toxic metals. Dermatologists urge caution.
Dr. Friedman’s verdict: ‘Don’t take it’ [biotin]” He values risk over reward.
