Biotin and collagen during pregnancy & breastfeeding

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

What is biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a naturally occurring vitamin that is necessary for metabolism, cell signaling and cell regulation. [2] 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 the diet, one may experience brittle nails, skin rashes and thinning hair. Biotin is obtained through many foods, including milk, eggs, avocados, salmon, nuts, grains, mushrooms, and more. [2] Biotin is available as a dietary supplement and is marketed for hair and skin health, often together 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 - where all the nutrients in the collagen complex contribute to thicker hair and healthier skin.

What does Biotin do?

Biotin is an important 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, one should focus on getting biotin through the diet during pregnancy and start with a biotin supplement after giving birth to especially boost one's hair health!

Biotin breaks down nutrients and supports heart health

Biotin is an important nutrient for cardiovascular health! Biotin intake was 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 ensures that the body functions as it should.

Biotin for hair, skin and nails

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

The development of the fetus during pregnancy

Biotin also supports pregnancy through healthy fetal development. [7] Cellular function and growth are dependent on biotin, both in utero and outside. Pregnancy also puts someone at greater risk for biotin deficiency, so it is common for biotin to be recommended during pregnancy to support a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. [8-9] On the other hand, one should be careful with which nutritional supplements one takes during pregnancy, and generally speaking, the intake of biotin from food should be sufficient during pregnancy, and then after childbirth, if necessary. start taking a biotin supplement for better hair and skin health, often along with collagen.

Is biotin good for hair?

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

It is common to get thick and full hair during pregnancy, which after childbirth starts to fall out and thin out. This is due to the rise and fall of hormones and is known as telogen hair loss. In telogen hair loss, a larger proportion of hairs are in the telogen phase (resting phase) compared to physiological hair loss. Sometimes the underlying cause can be determined. Examples of reasons are:

• severe mental or physical stress – such as infection, intensive dieting or postpartum
• medicines – for example 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 hair loss is a condition characterized by a reduction in hair growth, leading to thinning hair and hair loss, and is commonly experienced among postpartum and breastfeeding women. [11] A comparative evaluation of biotin's effects on telogen hair loss was favorable and showed that supplementation can be very beneficial for hair regrowth. [12]

Tips for postpartum hair loss

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 loose or in a loose hairstyle as often as possible. Putting your hair up by styling it in ponytails or other arrangements can contribute to hair loss and shedding.
• 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: Living with hair loss is frustrating, 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 last nine months, so treat yourself to some self-care and give it time, your hair should recover in the near future and you'll be helping it along by taking biotin supplements together with collagen complex for the 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 affect the results of hormone tests, including vitamin D, troponin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. [15] This can lead to misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments, so it's important to tell your healthcare provider about any vitamins or supplements you're taking to ensure you're getting the best and most effective care. And if you are going to take a blood test, it is recommended to stop taking biotin supplements for a long 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 when breastfeeding or pregnant?

There are some groups 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 get an adequate amount of biotin (at least 30 to 35 μg/d) in their daily diet to avoid adverse effects of deficiency, including hair loss, brittle nails, and skin rashes. [15–16]

It's important to note that biotin-only supplements usually contain higher doses to treat hair, skin, and nail complications, so be sure to 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, rashes, or other worrisome 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 take 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 maintenance of healthy hair, nails, and skin.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding mean that you run a slightly greater risk of suffering from a biotin deficiency, which is correlated with increased hair loss and thinning hair.
• Biotin deficiency is rare, but can result in brittle nails, skin rashes and hair loss.
• A rise and fall in estrogen is usually the cause of hair loss after childbirth and is a condition known as telogen hair loss.
• High amounts of biotin through supplementation can result in false laboratory results and minor side effects such as upset stomach, nausea and acne.
• Biotin supplementation can be recommended to pregnant and lactating 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 false 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.
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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