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Biotin Interferes With Lab Tests: Effects on Blood & Thyroid

January 07, 2017 - Admin

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is often marketed as vitamin B7, vitamin H or coenzyme R. It promotes the synthesis of fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and blood sugar production in the liver. Supplemental biotin increases hair and nail growth, and promotes blood sugar regulation. It is safe, even in high doses, so people often take mega-doses of the supplement. However, biotin interferes with lab tests, especially those measuring thyroid hormone levels, causing either falsely high or low values. Biotin interference with lab tests could cause misdiagnosis or incorrect treatments. If you're wondering which lab tests biotin interferes with, it primarily affects thyroid and certain blood chemistry tests. Stop taking biotin if you are scheduled for a medical examination, and tell your physician about your supplements. It's important to know when to stop biotin before a blood test to ensure accurate results. (Endocrine News, January 2016, p.22-26)