Biotin is commonly used for hair loss and brittle nails.

How does it work?

Biotin is an important component of enzymes in the body that break down certain substances such as fats and carbohydrates.

There is no good laboratory detection for low biotin levels, so this condition is usually recognized by its symptoms, which include:

• thinning hair (often with loss of hair color)
• red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth
• depression
• fatigue
• hallucinations
• tingling in the hands and feet

There is evidence that diabetes may cause low biotin levels.