By: ThyVita Health
February 16, 2024
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in various metabolic processes. However, when it comes to thyroid function testing, it's important to be cautious with biotin supplements.
Biotin can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests, leading to inaccurate results. Thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are measured in blood tests to assess thyroid function. Biotin can cause falsely elevated or decreased results in these tests.
The interference occurs because some thyroid function tests use a biotin-streptavidin system, where biotin is used as part of the testing process. High doses of biotin in the bloodstream can saturate this system, leading to inaccurate readings.
If you are taking biotin supplements and undergoing thyroid function testing, it's advisable to inform your healthcare provider about your biotin use. They may recommend temporarily discontinuing biotin supplements for a specific period before the tests to ensure accurate thyroid function results.
It's important to note that the interference with biotin is specific to certain laboratory assays and does not impact the actual production or function of thyroid hormones in the body. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific health circumstances.
Recent studies have shown that biotin may interfere with blood work and cause abnormally high or low test results for T3 and T4 which could lead to a misdiagnosis of Graves disease.
Many patients with thyroid disease that take synthetic thyroid replacements experience excessive hair shedding, dry skin, and unhealthy nails. If you're taking biotin in large doses to combat these side effects your lab results could be coming back abnormal. Studies show this usually happens if patients are taking high doses of 5,000 mg's or more.
What can you do to prevent your lab tests from being affected?
Be sure tell your Doctor that you're taking biotin and avoid taking any supplement that contains Biotin at least 24-48 hours prior to TSH blood work. ThyVita users need only stop 48 hours before blood work but it’s not necessary, because biotin is a water-soluble vitamin it usually leaves the body within 24 hours. However, if you're taking higher doses (5,000 mg’s or more) you may need several extra days. By stopping the biotin prior to blood work you give your system time to rid the body of the excess vitamin.
In doing so, it may help your lab results come back with an accurate reading!