Biotin vs Keratin both medicines used to treat Hair loss has become one of the major issues for many people in the USA. It has impacted people’s self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being. According to a study, around 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss, unevenness, and thins of hair.
In the US, approximately 66% of men have experienced hair loss problems by the age of 35 years old, while 85% of men have suffered from thinner hair by the age of 50 years old. Other factors like anemia, diabetes, thyroid, and so on are the common causes of hair loss. Complex issues like stress, anxiety, and depression also lead to baldness.
So, to overcome this problem a doctor may advise you to use drugs like Biotin and Keratin to avoid the hair loss complication. today we will discuss the blog, we will explore the differences between Biotin and Keratin, their uses, side effects, etc.
Differences Between Biotin and Keratin
Biotin
Biotin, also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to treat hair loss problems. It plays an important role in the metabolic processes in the body. It belongs to the vitamin class of drugs.
It is also essential to manage healthy hair, skin, and nails. It is not a prescription drug, but it is sold as OTC (over-the-counter) in the form of oral tablets, gummies, and capsules.
Biotin is not approved by the Food Drug and Administration (FDA), however, it is declared safe to use as a dietary supplement. Companies like Sapien Labs, SMP Nutra.com, Spectrum Chemicals & Laboratory Products, and many more manufacture Biotin supplements in the USA.
Keratin
Keratin is an essential fibrous protein for hair and skin which is found on the surface of various organs and glands in the body. It also helps to maintain the integrity of epithelial cells. It offers structural support like texture and strength of the hair. Keratin is also not a prescription drug but is available as an OTC drug.
It is important to note that Keratin is not approved by any of the regulating bodies in the USA. However, it has been approved for use in certain hair care treatments and other applications.
Furthermore, Keratin USA, Keraplast, and Keratin Complex are some of the leading companies that produce and distribute Keratin-related products in the USA.
Function
Biotin
Biotin works fast strengthening hair follicles and promoting hair growth. It helps to break down the protein, carbohydrates, and fat into energy. It also regulates the inflammatory and immunological functions of the body and helps to grow healthy hair.
Biotin is also an important coenzyme that functions in various metabolic pathways. These enzymes, including Pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl-CoA carboxylase, and others catalyze key reactions in fatty acid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid catabolism.
In addition, Biotin also regulates the formation of the organs and tissues during fetal development which is essential for proper embryonic development.
Keratin
Keratin works by forming a helical structure of a long chain of amino acids that provides flexibility and strength in the cells to grow new hair. It also helps to make the smooth cells that overlap the formation of hair strands.
Keratin also smoothens the layer of cells known as hair cuticles by reducing the break hair conditions, filling the gaps, and preventing frizzy hair.
Uses
Biotin
Biotin is used to prevent Biotin deficiency. It is also used in treating seborrhea and multiple sclerosis (in babies). It manages mild depression and controls sugar levels.
Furthermore, Biotin is used to treat hair problems like dandruff, and hair loss and improves hair texture.
Keratin
Keratin treatment helps to improve your damaged hair, leaving shiny and healthy hair. Shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks help to repair frizzy hair and promote stronger hair.
Keratin also offers protection from heat-styling tools.
Doses and Dosages
Biotin Doses
Biotin is used to treat Biotin deficiency. It is available in various dosage forms like:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Liquid
- Gummies
There are also some of the brand medicines of Biotin like Appearex, Nail-ex, Meribin, Genadur, and many more that are sold under different strengths including:
- 5 mcg
- 10 mcg
- 20 mcg
- 25 mcg
- 30 mcg
- 35 mcg
- 100 mcg
- 200 mcg
Dosages
The dosages of Biotin vary after monitoring the patient’s condition. The starting dose of Biotin from birth to 6 months child is 5 mcg and 30-100 mcg for adults and pregnant women. In the case of breastfeeding, 35 mcg is recommended.
Keratin Doses
The available doses of Keratin are:
- Keratin supplement: 500 mg
- Double wood supplements: 500 mg
Dosages
A study found that the initial dosage of Keratin is 500 mg daily for 90 days. It is taken to provide resilience and strength to the hair.
Side Effects
Biotin
As per certain reports, Biotin is considered to be well-tolerated and safe for use, but an overdose of Biotin drug may cause some side effects. They are as follows:
- Skin rash
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling in the face
Keratin
Keratin treatments also have some adverse side effects including:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Irritation in the eyes
- Vomiting
- Nosebleed
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
- Risk of cancer
- Skin irritation
Precautions
Before consuming Biotin and Keratin supplements you should be aware of the precautions and warnings associated with them. These are mentioned below:
- Avoid foods and beverages that are prohibited with these supplements.
- If you experience any type of allergic reaction in the skin, then immediately inform the healthcare advisor.
- Take the dosages as per the doctor’s instructions.
- If you have any underlying medical conditions, tell the healthcare expert about the problem before taking this medicine.
- Keratin-based products may cause allergic reactions, so it is essential to do a patch test before consuming them.
- Consult the physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid smoking as it may minimize the concentration of these supplements.
- Read the product label carefully while purchasing these drugs.
- Store the drugs a room temperature and do not store in heat and moisture.
- If your condition gets worse, then consult your doctor quickly and discontinue the supplements.
- Do not stop consuming Biotin or Keratin drugs in the middle, as you can face withdrawal symptoms
