Is Biotin Skewing Your Lab Results?

By: Laura Parkes

JULY 19, 2022

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.

Biotin and your TSH - Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your thyroid to produce too much hormone resulting in hyperthyroidism. Many times Graves disease is the underlying condition that causes hyperthyroidism, but, what if the supplement you're using for healthier hair, skin, and nails is causing elevated or lowered lab results that can lead to a misdiagnosis?

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!