Is Biotin the culprit?

CaddieMay
CaddieMay Posts: 356 Member
edited November 14 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been on MFP for a few years. I slip every fall/winter and gain about 10-15 pounds, then I start counting calories every February or so. I've studied In Place of a Road Map, so I know what kind of deficit I should have, etc. And every February or so, I start to lose weight steadily.

But this year is different. The scale will not budge. I began taking Biotin for hair growth a few months ago, so I did some research and found that although weight gain is not a side effect of this supplement, many people have reported gaining weight or not being able to lose weight.

Seems strange that a seemingly innocent supplement could do this, but could it be the reason why the scale won't budge? I just want to know if any of you have experienced this dilemma.

Thanks!

Replies

  • jamie_lee80
    jamie_lee80 Posts: 176 Member
    I have been taking biotin everyday for at least the last year to try to grow my hair....i have never heard of this but now i'm off to look into it.
  • CaddieMay
    CaddieMay Posts: 356 Member
    Thanks. I know everyone is different when it comes to side effects. I even read where some people lost weight on Biotin. I will stop taking it and see if the scale moves.
  • vismal
    vismal Posts: 2,463 Member
    Unless biotin is causing you to retain water, it's not the problem. If it is causing you to retain water, then it doesn't matter unless you are concerned more with losing weight vs. losing fat.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,029 Member
    People tend to forget that as we age, metabolic rate changes...........from year to year. It's probably NOT the Biotin since it's in a lot of foods people eat on a regular basis.

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  • Serah87
    Serah87 Posts: 5,481 Member
    I doubt it, I've taken it before and never had issues. Are you weighing your solid foods?
  • mskinner1091
    mskinner1091 Posts: 180 Member
    I take a daily multivitamin which contains Biotin & I've been steadily losing weight every week. Maybe try coming off the Biotin for a few weeks & see what happens with you weight.
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    No.
  • CaddieMay
    CaddieMay Posts: 356 Member
    Thank you, everyone! I think I might be retaining water, for whatever reason. I will stop taking the Biotin and see if anything changes. More water for me in the meantime!
  • kelleybean1
    kelleybean1 Posts: 312 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    People tend to forget that as we age, metabolic rate changes...........from year to year./quote]

    This^^^^ It's a bummer.
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    I take about 20,000 mg of Biotin per day. No weight gain issues. I really doubt it's the Biotin.
  • happyfeetrebel1
    happyfeetrebel1 Posts: 1,005 Member
    I've lost 130 lbs while taking it. Probably not :)
  • Coyotesnacks
    Coyotesnacks Posts: 2
    I didn't know that Biotin promotes hair growth. Has anyone had any success with this supplement? I think I'll try it!!
  • cheshirecatastrophe
    cheshirecatastrophe Posts: 1,395 Member
    Coyotesnacks wrote: »
    I didn't know that Biotin promotes hair growth. Has anyone had any success with this supplement? I think I'll try it!!

    Yes, it helps with hair and nail growth and strength.

    Ladies (and male cyclists/swimmers) out there may or may not want to be aware that it helps with *all* hair growth, not just head hair.
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