What does biotin do for hair and nails?

Biotin is a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in the production of keratin — the structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. By supporting normal protein and fat metabolism, biotin helps maintain the structural integrity of keratin fibres. EFSA has recognised that biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin. While biotin deficiency is rare, even marginal intake can affect hair and nail quality, making supplementation a popular choice for those concerned with hair and nail strength.

What is the NRV for biotin and how much do your products provide?

The EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for biotin is 50 µg per day. Both our Vitamin B Complex and Skin Hair & Nails formulas provide exactly this amount per daily serving — 100% NRV. This is a well-established, research-backed dose that supports the normal functions biotin is known for. Biotin is water-soluble, so any excess is excreted in urine, making it very difficult to consume too much from food or standard supplements.

Can biotin interfere with medical lab tests?

Yes — this is an important consideration. High doses of biotin (typically 5,000–10,000 µg, far above our 50 µg dose) can interfere with certain laboratory tests that use biotin-streptavidin technology. This can potentially lead to falsely high or low results for tests including thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), troponin, and certain vitamin D tests. The 50 µg dose in our products is not associated with lab interference, but anyone taking biotin supplements should inform their healthcare provider before blood tests as a precaution.

Is biotin deficiency common?

True biotin deficiency is rare because the vitamin is widely available in foods and is also produced by gut bacteria. However, certain factors can increase the risk of suboptimal biotin status: long-term antibiotic use (which reduces gut bacteria), consumption of raw egg whites (avidin in egg whites binds biotin), certain genetic factors, and pregnancy. Signs of low biotin status can include thinning hair, brittle nails, and skin rashes around the eyes and mouth. For most people, a 100% NRV supplement provides reliable support.

Ingredient Deep Dive · Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin

The B vitamin essential for strong hair, skin, and energy metabolism.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is the beauty B vitamin — recognised for its role in maintaining normal hair, skin, and nails. Found in our Vitamin B Complex and Skin Hair & Nails formulas.

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What is Biotin?

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble B vitamin that acts as a cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes essential for macronutrient metabolism. These enzymes are critical for the synthesis of fatty acids, the breakdown of branched-chain amino acids, and the process of gluconeogenesis — the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Biotin is also involved in cell signalling and gene expression through its role in biotinylation of histones, the proteins that package DNA.

The name 'biotin' comes from the Greek word 'biotos', meaning 'life' or 'sustenance', reflecting its fundamental role in cellular energy metabolism. Biotin is perhaps best known for its recognised contribution to the maintenance of healthy hair and skin — it is one of the most popular nutrients in beauty-from-within supplements. It is naturally present in many foods including eggs, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables.

EFSA-approved health benefits

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that biotin:

contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism
contributes to normal psychological function
contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

Why we use Biotin in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Skin Hair & Nails contains biotin alongside zinc, copper, and four plant extracts (bamboo shoots, millet, nettle, horsetail) in a comprehensive single-capsule formula for hair, skin, and nail support. Biotin is included at a level that complements the other nutrients in the formula, and the whole product is manufactured at our FSSC 22000 certified facility in Germany.

Products containing Biotin

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring biotin is Skin Hair & Nails, where it works alongside zinc, copper, and four active plant extracts to support hair and skin health naturally.

Learn more about how biotin and other nutrients support healthy hair, skin, and nails on our Beauty from Within health guide. Visit the Ingredient Philosophy page to understand our approach to nutrient selection.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredient profile

What makes biotin essential in your daily nutrition.

What it is
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble B vitamin that acts as a cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes essential for macronutrient metabolism. It appears in Nutri-Leaf Skin Hair & Nails.
Why we use it
Every ingredient in our formulas serves a specific nutritional purpose. What you see on the label is exactly what’s in the capsule.
German quality sourcing
All ingredients are sourced to meet German and EU pharmacopoeia quality standards, then manufactured into finished supplements in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified food-supplement producer.
Benefits & research
Role in the body
Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin, and to the normal function of the nervous system.
Approved health claims
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal macronutrient metabolism, the maintenance of normal hair, the maintenance of normal skin, and the normal function of the nervous system.
EU quality standards
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) are set by EU Regulation 1169/2011. Our formulas are designed to provide meaningful percentages of these reference values per daily serving.

Nutri-Leaf

Vitamin B Complex

1 capsule per dayHPMC vegetable capsule

~~€18,99~~€14,11

Subscription available

View details

NUTRI-LEAF

Skin Hair & Nails

1 capsule per dayHPMC vegetable capsule

~~€18,99~~€15,11

Subscription available

View details

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Frequently asked questions

Your questions about Biotin (Vitamin B7) and quality.

Biotin is a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in the production of keratin — the structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. By supporting normal protein and fat metabolism, biotin helps maintain the structural integrity of keratin fibres. EFSA has recognised that biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin. While biotin deficiency is rare, even marginal intake can affect hair and nail quality, making supplementation a popular choice for those concerned with hair and nail strength.
The EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for biotin is 50 µg per day. Both our Vitamin B Complex and Skin Hair & Nails formulas provide exactly this amount per daily serving — 100% NRV. This is a well-established, research-backed dose that supports the normal functions biotin is known for. Biotin is water-soluble, so any excess is excreted in urine, making it very difficult to consume too much from food or standard supplements.
Yes — this is an important consideration. High doses of biotin (typically 5,000–10,000 µg, far above our 50 µg dose) can interfere with certain laboratory tests that use biotin-streptavidin technology. This can potentially lead to falsely high or low results for tests including thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), troponin, and certain vitamin D tests. The 50 µg dose in our products is not associated with lab interference, but anyone taking biotin supplements should inform their healthcare provider before blood tests as a precaution.
True biotin deficiency is rare because the vitamin is widely available in foods and is also produced by gut bacteria. However, certain factors can increase the risk of suboptimal biotin status: long-term antibiotic use (which reduces gut bacteria), consumption of raw egg whites (avidin in egg whites binds biotin), certain genetic factors, and pregnancy. Signs of low biotin status can include thinning hair, brittle nails, and skin rashes around the eyes and mouth. For most people, a 100% NRV supplement provides reliable support.

Discover German quality supplements

Biotin — the beauty B vitamin for hair, skin, and daily energy.

manufactured in Germany by an FSSC 22000 certified producer. Plant-based HPMC capsules. Free shipping from €20 across the EU.

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Free EU shipping from €20 · FSSC 22000-certified producer · Made in Germany · Plant-based capsules · Clean formulas

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Biotin

The B vitamin essential for strong hair, skin, and energy metabolism.

What is Biotin?

EFSA-approved health benefits

Why we use Biotin in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Products containing Biotin

What makes biotin essential in your daily nutrition.

Benefits & research

Supplements containing Biotin (Vitamin B7).

Vitamin B Complex

Skin Hair & Nails

Guides about ingredients and nutrition.

Zinc and Selenium: The Dynamic Duo for Immune Health

How to Read a Supplement Label Like a Nutritionist

Seasonal Immune Support: A Practical Guide for Autumn and Winter

Your questions about Biotin (Vitamin B7) and quality.

Biotin — the beauty B vitamin for hair, skin, and daily energy.

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