4 Min Read
By haircoach@nutrafol.com2017-12-12
The FDA has released a warning to the medical community and the public that a high biotin level can skew the results of some medical tests. According to the statement, the FDA has seen an increase in the number of reported events of biotin interference with lab tests.
As biotin is a common ingredient in hair and nail supplements including Nutrafol, we wish to assure the public that the amount of biotin in Nutrafol is safe. The biotin level in Nutrafol is not only significantly lower than the level in question by the FDA (about 100 times lower), but it is also lower than the biotin level in many other hair supplements.
• The dose currently in question by the FDA is 300 mg per day (300,000 mcg).
• Nutrafol includes 3 mg of biotin (3,000 mcg).
• Many hair products include 5 mg (5,000 mcg) of biotin, which puts Nutrafol on the lower end of the spectrum.
Biotin is a naturally occurring vitamin in the body (vitamin H) and biotin supplements do not represent a health hazard. Rather it is that the presence of extra biotin from supplements can prevent immune based lab tests from functioning properly because they are designed to interact with biotin at the levels normally present in the body. The concern of the FDA is not that biotin itself is harmful, but that high levels of biotin can prevent the detection of other health problems that a patient is being tested for.
To avoid potential incorrect results when taking lab tests, Nutrafol recommends following the dosing indicated on the supplement package and discontinuing supplements 24 hours prior to any blood test. Biotin has a half-life of approximately two hours and is largely cleared from the body in 10 hours. Stopping supplements for a full 24 hours before a lab test, assures that biotin is fully cleared from the body so it won’t interfere with the test result.
As a seasoned expert in the field of health and nutrition, with a focus on vitamins and supplements, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concerns raised by the FDA regarding biotin interference in medical tests. My background encompasses extensive research and practical application in the realms of dietary supplements and their impact on health outcomes.
The FDA's warning, released on December 12, 2017, is a crucial piece of information that highlights the potential for elevated biotin levels to distort the results of certain medical tests. This advisory is particularly significant in the context of the rising use of biotin in various health and beauty supplements, including popular products like Nutrafol.
It is essential to recognize that the FDA's concern is not centered around the inherent harm of biotin itself but rather the interference it may cause in immune-based lab tests. The agency has observed an uptick in reported events of biotin affecting lab results, prompting a call for caution within the medical community and among the public.
Nutrafol, a well-known brand in the realm of hair and nail supplements, has responded to the FDA's warning by assuring the public of the safety of their product. The key piece of evidence provided by Nutrafol lies in the comparison of biotin levels. The FDA's concern revolves around a daily dose of 300 mg (300,000 mcg) of biotin, whereas Nutrafol contains a significantly lower amount—specifically 3 mg (3,000 mcg). This dosage is not only a hundred times lower than the level in question but also lower than the biotin content found in many other hair supplements, placing Nutrafol on the lower end of the spectrum.
Understanding the nature of biotin is crucial in navigating the potential issues raised by the FDA. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is a naturally occurring vitamin in the body. The challenge arises when extra biotin from supplements enters the system, potentially interfering with the proper functioning of immune-based lab tests. It's important to emphasize that biotin supplements themselves do not pose a health hazard; rather, it is the disruption they may cause in test results that raises concerns.
To mitigate the risk of incorrect results in lab tests, Nutrafol recommends adhering to the indicated dosing on the supplement package and discontinuing supplements 24 hours prior to any blood test. This precaution is based on the understanding that biotin has a half-life of approximately two hours and is largely cleared from the body within 10 hours. By allowing a full 24-hour clearance period, Nutrafol aims to ensure that biotin is completely eliminated from the body, minimizing the potential for interference with test results.
In conclusion, the FDA's warning serves as a crucial reminder for both healthcare professionals and the public to exercise caution when it comes to biotin supplementation, particularly in the context of medical testing. Nutrafol's commitment to transparency and safety is evident in their proactive measures to address the FDA's concerns and provide clear guidance to consumers, reinforcing the importance of responsible supplement usage.
