Biotin and collagen during pregnancy & breastfeeding

Your body goes through a lot of changes during and after pregnancy, and your hair is no exception. It’s common for many people to experience thick, full hair during pregnancy, but see an increase in hair loss and thinning hair after giving birth. [1] There are many supplements on the market that claim to support hair health, but can you really trust them? Let’s take a look at biotin, what it can and can’t do, and whether it’s safe to take while breastfeeding. When you’re pregnant, you should always talk to your doctor about whether you need to take a supplement like folic acid (folate, vitamin B9) or iron.

What is biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a naturally occurring vitamin that is essential for metabolism, cell signaling, and cell regulation. In other words, biotin is one of the nutrients responsible for the breakdown and use of food and nutrients in the body, and the ability of cells to divide, repair, communicate, and process information. [2] Without adequate amounts of biotin in your diet, you can experience brittle nails, skin rashes, and thinning hair. Biotin is found in many foods, including milk, eggs, avocado, salmon, nuts, grains, mushrooms, and more. Biotin is available as a dietary supplement and is marketed for hair and skin health, often in conjunction with collagen complexes such as Collagen skin & hair complex, which in addition to biotin also contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacin (B3), silicon, zinc, and copper—all of which contribute to thicker hair and healthier skin.

What does Biotin do?

Biotin is an essential nutrient for overall health and should be consumed through a regular diet. Supplementation can also be beneficial for anyone who wants an extra boost of biotin in their daily routine! However, you should focus on getting biotin through your diet during pregnancy and start taking a biotin supplement after giving birth to boost your hair health in particular!

Biotin breaks down nutrients and supports heart health

Biotin is an important nutrient for cardiovascular health! Biotin intake has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol in diabetic patients, as well as help regulate blood sugar and support the metabolism of glucose and fatty acids. [3-4] The breakdown of nutrients is an important step in metabolism, and allows the body to function properly.

Biotin for hair, skin and nails

Biotin is also an important part of hair, skin, and nail health. One study found that daily oral supplements containing biotin, collagen, and vitamin D resulted in hair growth, skin hydration, increased skin elasticity, and repair of brittle nails. [5-6] Biotin deficiency, although rare, can also cause hair thinning and skin rashes. [2]

Fetal development during pregnancy

Biotin also supports pregnancy by supporting healthy fetal development. [7] Cellular function and growth are dependent on biotin, both in the womb and outside. Pregnancy also puts someone at greater risk of developing a biotin deficiency, so it is common for biotin to be recommended during pregnancy to support a healthy pregnancy and baby. [8-9] However, caution should be exercised in the use of supplements during pregnancy, and in general, biotin intake from food should be sufficient during pregnancy, and then after delivery, a biotin supplement may be started for better hair and skin health, often in combination with collagen.

Is biotin good for hair?

It is true that biotin is essential for hair growth, but there is limited data to support that biotin supplements will have any effect on hair growth for the general population. There are certain groups that are more susceptible to biotin deficiency and increased hair loss, and this includes those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. [8,10]

It is common for women to have thick, full hair during pregnancy, which begins to fall out and thin out after giving birth. This is due to the increase and decrease in hormones and is known as telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium, a greater proportion of hairs are in the telogen phase (resting phase) compared to physiological hair loss. Sometimes an underlying cause can be identified. Examples of causes include:

• severe mental or physical stress – such as infection, intense dieting or postpartum
• medications – such as birth control pills, antidepressants or blood thinners
• endocrine disease – such as diabetes or thyroid disease
• other – severe chronic illness, iron deficiency or severe nutritional deficiency.

Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by a decrease in the rate of hair growth, leading to thinning hair and hair loss, and is commonly experienced by postpartum and breastfeeding women. [11] A comparative evaluation of the effects of biotin on telogen effluvium was favorable, indicating that supplementation may be highly beneficial for hair regrowth. [12]

Tips for hair loss after childbirth

In addition to biotin supplements, there are a few things you can try to limit hair loss and encourage hair growth:

• Loose Hairstyles: Wear your hair down or in a loose style as often as possible. Putting your hair up by styling it in ponytails or other updos can contribute to hair loss and breakage.
• Stimulate your scalp: Your scalp likes to be massaged, and it encourages hair growth! [13] Using your fingers to gently massage your hair roots while shampooing can help stimulate your hair follicles and lead to hair growth.
• Avoid hair dye: Harsh chemicals found in hair dye should be avoided if you want to encourage hair growth. [14]
• Give it time: It's frustrating to have to live with hair loss, but the good news is that postpartum hair loss almost always goes away on its own. Your body has gone through a lot of changes over the past nine months, so treat yourself to some self-care and give it time, your hair should recover in the near future and you can help it along by taking a supplement containing biotin along with collagen complex for hair.

Risks of biotin

Biotin is considered a safe dietary supplement and is a naturally occurring nutrient found in many foods, but there are two risks you should be aware of:

Interference with lab results

There are few risks associated with biotin intake, but it is important to note that there are potential complications with laboratory blood test results when taking high doses of biotin. [15] In large amounts, biotin can interfere with the results of hormone tests, including vitamin D, troponin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. [15] This can lead to misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment, so it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any vitamins or supplements you are taking to ensure you are receiving the best and most effective care. And if you are going to have a blood test, it is recommended that you stop taking biotin supplements for a period of time before the blood test.

Side effects

Aside from affecting lab results, the risks of biotin are very small and include potential mild side effects. These may include nausea, upset stomach, or skin rash. [1]

Is biotin safe to consume while breastfeeding or pregnant?

There are some groups that are most likely to suffer from insufficient or deficient biotin levels, including pregnant and lactating women. [1] Marginal biotin deficiency develops in one-third of pregnancies, even with normal biotin intake. [1] It is recommended that lactating and pregnant women consume an adequate amount of biotin (at least 30 to 35 μg/d) in their daily diet to avoid the negative effects of deficiency, including hair loss, brittle nails, and skin rashes. [15–16]

It is important to note that supplements containing only biotin usually contain higher doses to treat hair, skin, and nail complications, so make sure you check the dosage of your biotin supplement and talk to your healthcare provider before using it while breastfeeding.

You should always ask your midwife or doctor before adding any new vitamins or supplements to your diet.

Questions to ask your midwife or doctor

If you are concerned that you are not getting enough nutrients while breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife. If you experience hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes, or other concerning symptoms, notify your healthcare provider and ask for their recommendations. Biotin has been considered safe for consumption, but high amounts may not be right for everyone.

Important to bring with you

• Biotin is a naturally occurring B vitamin.
• Biotin is found in foods such as eggs, salmon, dairy products, avocados, grains, nuts and more.
• Biotin supports health through cellular signaling, cellular regulation, nutrient breakdown, and maintaining healthy hair, nails, and skin.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding mean that you run a slightly higher risk of suffering from biotin deficiency, which is correlated with increased hair loss and thinner hair.
• Biotin deficiency is rare, but can result in brittle nails, skin rashes, and hair loss.
• An increase and decrease in estrogen is usually the cause of postpartum hair loss and is a condition called telogen effluvium.
• High amounts of biotin through supplements can result in inaccurate laboratory results and minor side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, and acne.
• Biotin supplements may be recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women to ensure adequate biotin levels in both mother and child.
• Be sure to ask your midwife or doctor before starting any supplements, and always report the supplements you take to prevent incorrect laboratory reporting.
  
  

References :

1. Grymowicz M, Rudnicka E, Podfigurna A, et al. Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(15):5342. Published 2020 Jul 28. doi:10.3390/ijms21155342
2. Biotin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH. January 10, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
3. Revilla-Monsalve C, Zendejas-Ruiz I, Islas-Andrade S, et al. Biotin supplementation reduces plasma triacylglycerol and VLDL in type 2 diabetic patients and in nondiabetic subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. Biomed Pharmacother. 2006;60(4):182-185. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2006.03.005
4. Fernandez-Mejia C. Pharmacological effects of biotin. J Nutr Biochem. 2005;16(7):424-427. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2005.03.018
5. Glynis A. A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(11):28-34.
6. Lassus A, Jeskanen L, Happonen HP, Santalahti J. Imedeen for the treatment of degenerated skin in females. J Int Med Res. 1991;19(2):147-152. doi:10.1177/030006059101900208
7. Mantagos S, Malamitsi-Puchner A, Antsaklis A, Livaniou E, Evangelatos G, Ithakissios DS. Biotin plasma levels of the human fetus. Biol Neonate. 1998;74(1):72-74. doi:10.1159/000014012
8. Mock DM, Quirk JG, Mock NI. Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;75(2):295-299. doi:10.1093/ajcn/75.2.295
9. Ichihara Y, Suga K, Fukui M, et al. Serum biotin level during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth and preterm delivery. J Med Invest. 2020;67(1.2):170-173. doi:10.2152/jmi.67.170
10. Postpartum Hair Loss. Cleveland Clinic. June 13 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23297-postpartum-hair-loss
11. Newlin, Erica. How To Deal With Hair Loss After Pregnancy. June 24 2022. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/postpartum-hair-loss/
12. Sant'Anna Addor FA, Donato LC, Melo CSA. Comparative evaluation between two nutritional supplements in the improvement of telogen effluvium. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:431-436. Published 2018 Sep 10. doi:10.2147/CCID.S173082
13. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. 2016;16:8. Published 2016 Jan 25.
14. Dias MFRG, Loures AF, Ekelem C. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021;54(4):507-513. Published 2021 Dec 27. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1739241
15. Biotin – Vitamin B7. Harvard Nutrition Source. March 2023. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/biotin-vitamin-b7/
16. Perry CA, West AA, Gayle A, et al. Pregnancy and lactation alter biomarkers of biotin metabolism in women consuming a controlled diet. J Nutr. 2014;144(12):1977-1984. doi:10.3945/jn.114.194472