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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alberton, South Africa
October 15
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A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member, Thanks for the heads up on the effects of biotin.

October 16
A MyLupusTeam Member

Please talk to your doctor, as oral biotin can affect thyroid and vitamin D levels, among others. You may want to try the shampoo first.

October 16
A MyLupusTeam Member

A lot of people report that it has been helpful for hair regrowth. You can also look for shampoos containing biotin.

October 15
MyLupusTeam

Great question! Biotin (vitamin B7) is a popular supplement for hair loss, and some people with lupus have found it helpful. A MyLupusTeam member shared, "I started taking biotin vitamins — my hair feels thicker and my nails grow like crazy."

However, it's worth knowing that the evidence is mixed. Biotin may help if you have Show Full Answer

Great question! Biotin (vitamin B7) is a popular supplement for hair loss, and some people with lupus have found it helpful. A MyLupusTeam member shared, "I started taking biotin vitamins — my hair feels thicker and my nails grow like crazy."

However, it's worth knowing that the evidence is mixed. Biotin may help if you have a deficiency, but if your hair loss is directly caused by lupus or your medications, it may not make a big difference. There's one important caution — taking too much biotin can skew certain lab results, making it harder for your doctor to get accurate readings on things like thyroid function. So it's really important to let your rheumatologist know before starting it.

A few other things to keep in mind:

- Biotin supplements are generally considered safe, even in higher doses
- The FDA doesn't regulate supplements as strictly as medications, so look for products with seals from third-party organizations like NSF International or U.S. Pharmacopeia
- Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure biotin won't interact with any of your current medications You can also boost biotin naturally through food. Good sources include:

- Organ meats like beef liver
- Salmon and tuna
- Eggs
- Legumes like lentils and peas
- Nuts and seeds
- Sweet potatoes and leafy greens like spinach

Bottom line — biotin is likely safe to try, but check with your rheumatologist first to make sure it's the right fit for your specific situation.

October 15

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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Reading, UK