As Americans look to improve their health in the new year, many will turn to vitamins and supplements as part of their healthier routines.
One notable example is Vitamin B7, also commonly known as biotin, which is frequently the top selling supplement online, and found in a number of multivitamins. Among its many benefits, biotin can help keep your eyes, liver and nervous system healthy, as well as contribute to healthy skin, hair and nails.
It’s important to research side effects or ask your doctor about them before taking any supplement. For example, while biotin supplements are not associated with any side effects, taking biotin can affect certain brands of blood test results, which can lead to a misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments for heart disease, thyroid conditions, breast cancer, pregnancy and fertility.
“Taking supplements can be an effective way to fill nutritional gaps,” says Dr. Wonderling. “But before embarking on a regimen, be sure you understand all the possible effects of each supplement you take.”