Natrol biotin for skin, hair, and nails

Natrol Biotin is a popular option among people looking for biotin. Natrol promotes their supplement as a beauty booster that can support your hair, skin, and nails. But does it actually work?

Research has shown that a biotin deficiency is associated with brittle hair and nails, making it a seemingly obvious choice to add to your routine. But before you hop on board the biotin bus, keep in mind that it's unlikely to have a noticeable effect if you don’t have a biotin deficiency. 

Most people get enough biotin from their diet by eating foods like egg yolks, nuts, legumes, and mushrooms. The bacteria in our digestive systems produce plenty of biotin as well. Supplements are available for people with deficiencies, although a lack of biotin is rare in the United States. 

Healthier skin

Custom Rx treatment for your skin type and skin goals

Start now

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, is an important nutrient that helps break down food and convert it into energy. 

In rare instances of severe biotin deficiency, people experience brittle hair and nails, as well as facial rashes. While supplements are essential for those deficient in biotin, taking them to improve hair and nails isn't likely to do much.

While deficiencies are rare, certain genetic diseases can cause one. Some circumstances can increase your chances of developing a biotin deficiency later in life (Patel, 2017). 

For example, consuming a lot of egg whites can reduce biotin levels in your body. That’s because egg whites contain a chemical that binds to biotin in your digestive system and prevents it from being absorbed by the body. 

There are also digestive diseases that prevent your body from absorbing nutrients properly, resulting in low biotin levels. Excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to low levels (Soleymani, 2017).   

There aren’t scientific studies that examine Natrol products in particular, but some research shows that biotin supplements can contribute to stronger hair growth in people with a deficiency. 

And while Natrol biotin has some favorable reviews online, there’s no specific evidence that the brand is better than others or has a specific benefit in people without a deficiency. 

The daily recommended amount of biotin for adults 19 and older is 30 mcg, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The recommended amount for people pregnant or breastfeeding is 35 mcg (NIH, 2020a). 

Biotin deficiencies aren't common, but do happen. If your hair and nails are brittle or you develop a face rash, the first step is to get evaluated by your primary care provider. They can perform a blood test to identify if a biotin deficiency is the source of the problem. 

Other conditions that can cause brittle hair or nails include: 

• Iron deficiency (anemia)

• Eczema

• Hair loss disorders like alopecia

• Hormone disorders

• Medications

• Exposure to chemicals

How much biotin is too much?

While most biotin supplements contain hundreds of times the recommended daily allowance, it’s unlikely that you’ll get too much if you follow directions on the label.

That being said, taking biotin supplements can interfere with blood tests, including emergency tests performed to diagnose a heart attack. 

Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. Just because products are available without a prescription doesn’t make them harmless. 

If you have a biotin deficiency, Natrol has fast-dissolve tablets that you place under your tongue and let dissolve. The supplement comes in a strawberry flavor and can be taken with or without water. Wait until it has completely dissolved before swallowing (Natrol Biotin, n.d.). 

In addition to dietary supplements, biotin can be obtained through food. Things rich in biotin include chicken, beef, liver, pork, salmon, eggs, sweet potato, mushrooms, nuts, and seeds (NIH, 2020b).  

The majority of people living in the United States get enough biotin from their diet. While not harmful to try, biotin supplements might not make a huge difference if you don't already have an existing biotin deficiency. 

---

How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Current version

May 28, 2021

Written by

Nopell Wong

Fact checked by

Yael Cooperman, MD

---

About the medical reviewer

Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro

Yael Cooperman is a physician and works as a Senior Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.