People are now taking biotin for hair loss in considerable number as so much as been said about this vitamin, but does it really work and if so how does it work? Well biotin is not really a hair loss treatment in itself but it is essential for healthy hair. The reason that on its own it is not a treatment is because it does not target DHT, testosterone or 5 alpha reductase, which are the key ingredients that make up genetic pattern baldness. But what it does do is help in healthy hair growth, and it also promotes healthy nail and skin growth too.
Biotin works by metabolizing fatty acids which are essential to hair growth, and it is even more potent when combined with B vitamins which metabolize protein and get more oxygen into the blood stream, which again is important for hair growth. In fact if someone is deficient in both biotin (which is vitamin B7) and also the other B vitamins then they may have no eyelashes or eyebrows either.
You can source biotin from various foods including kidney, beef and cheese but the quantities you need to make a difference would mean you eating a lot of these foods so you are better off taking a supplement. There are no known negative side effects of this vitamin, unless that is you are deficient in it then of course you will experience hair loss. If you have male or female pattern baldness then certainly take biotin and B vitamins to encourage healthy hair growth, but in addition to that you should also look at the following to combat the hormones and enzymes that cause balding.
Nettle - This helps to reduce the amount of free testosterone in the blood.
Saw Palmetto - This helps to inhibit 5 alpha reductase which creates DHT
Zinc - This mineral also helps to reduce 5 alpha reductase and is particularly potent when used with B vitamins.
Biotin can help with hair loss but only really if the person is deficient in it in the first place otherwise take it to promote healthy hair skin and nails. However if suffering from genetic hair loss taken with the other vitamins minerals and herbs mentioned biotin could have a positive effect in preventing hair loss.