How Would You Know If You Were Deficient?
There are serum tests out there which do show your biotin status.
We do see that, from serum markets, about a third of all pregnant women are perhaps low in biotin.
They are less at risk, overall, when they are taking an appropriate multi-vitamin, that which would contain biotin (Read More: How To Test Your Thyroid, Too).
There was also a study I ran into that saw, looking at those who experienced hair loss, that of this sub-population there was between 30-40% that were low in biotin.
Before seeing studies like these, I was under the impression that these deficiencies were much more unusual and much more rare. But, after making my way through the diet, their occurrences may be far more common than previously thought.
While serum tests are available, it is generally advisable to avoid biotin for 73 hours beforehand (so that you’re getting accurate results).
In terms of markers, here’s what you need to know:
- <200 ng/l are considered deficient
- 200 – 400 ng/l suboptimal
- >400 ng/l optimal