topic Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results in Community Chat

From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

NickNack — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:17:51 GMT

I thought this notice from the FDA was interesting. I used to take Biotin for my nails. It didn't seem to help, so I quit. I told a friend about this notice, and she said that one of her lab results was really strange. She's going to stop taking Biotin and have them retest it.

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MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

A MedWatch Safety Alert was just added to the FDA Medical Device Safety webpage.

TOPIC: Biotin May Interfere with Lab Tests - Safety Communication: Update

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Patient, Health Professional

BACKGROUND: Many dietary supplements promoted for hair, skin, and nail benefits contain biotin levels up to 650 times the recommended daily intake of biotin. Physicians may also recommend high levels of biotin for patients with certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Biotin levels higher than the recommended daily allowance may cause interference with lab tests.

ISSUE: The FDA updated the 2017 safety communication to remind the public, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test developers that biotin, often found in dietary supplements, can significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect results that may go undetected. Incorrect test results may lead to inappropriate patient management or misdiagnosis. For example, a falsely low result for troponin, a clinically important biomarker to aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks, may lead to a missed diagnosis and potentially serious clinical implications.

RECOMMENDATION: Please click on the "Read Safety Communication" button below to read specific recommendations for consumers, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test manufacturers and developers.

Health care providers, consumers and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report online.
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Read Safety Communication

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

Bridgegal — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:29:38 GMT

That is one reason I don't take any supplements. They aren't tested and regulated and you never know how they might interact negatively with any prescription drugs that we take or apparently test results.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

santorini — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:31:29 GMT

I take it regularly and don't plan to stop. If I ever plan to have tests done, I will skip it for a few days before the test.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

Shelbelle — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 23:46:28 GMT

@santorini wrote:
I take it regularly and don't plan to stop. If I ever plan to have tests done, I will skip it for a few days before the test.

This is old news, been posted here several times. I take a large dose it daily, and yes, if my blood is to be drawn, will stop it a few days ahead. Most Biotin is eliminated in your urine anyway.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

SilleeMee — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:50:41 GMT

@Bridgegal wrote:
That is one reason I don't take any supplements. They aren't tested and regulated and you never know how they might interact negatively with any prescription drugs that we take or apparently test results.

That is incorrect. The FDA does regulate supplements.

https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

tsavorite — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:54:53 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
@santorini wrote:
I take it regularly and don't plan to stop. If I ever plan to have tests done, I will skip it for a few days before the test.
This is old news, been posted here several times. I take a large does it daily, and yes, if my blood is to be drawn, will stop it a few days ahead. Most Biotin is eliminated in your urine anyway.

That's what I thought....I know from personal experience that biotin makes me have to go wee almost constantly if I try to take it! Gave up on it....told my H about this and he tried taking it for a few days....came home from work and told me it was making him go pee all day long LOL! Tossed it!!

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

sann — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 21:56:03 GMT

Poo

@Bridgegal wrote:
That is one reason I don't take any supplements. They aren't tested and regulated and you never know how they might interact negatively with any prescription drugs that we take or apparently test results.

Very true. They are not regulated. Natural does not always mean safe.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

noodleann — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:05:00 GMT

@NickNack wrote:
I thought this notice from the FDA was interesting. I used to take Biotin for my nails. It didn't seem to help, so I quit. I told a friend about this notice, and she said that one of her lab results was really strange. She's going to stop taking Biotin and have them retest it.
_____________________
MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
A MedWatch Safety Alert was just added to the FDA Medical Device Safety webpage.

TOPIC: Biotin May Interfere with Lab Tests - Safety Communication: Update

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Patient, Health Professional

BACKGROUND: Many dietary supplements promoted for hair, skin, and nail benefits contain biotin levels up to 650 times the recommended daily intake of biotin. Physicians may also recommend high levels of biotin for patients with certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Biotin levels higher than the recommended daily allowance may cause interference with lab tests.

ISSUE: The FDA updated the 2017 safety communication to remind the public, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test developers that biotin, often found in dietary supplements, can significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect results that may go undetected. Incorrect test results may lead to inappropriate patient management or misdiagnosis. For example, a falsely low result for troponin, a clinically important biomarker to aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks, may lead to a missed diagnosis and potentially serious clinical implications.

RECOMMENDATION: Please click on the "Read Safety Communication" button below to read specific recommendations for consumers, health care providers, lab personnel, and lab test manufacturers and developers.

Health care providers, consumers and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Complete and submit the report online.
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Read Safety Communication

Thanks for posting this, @NickNack . I got the message from the FDA and hoped someone would post about it, since it's an updated warning that anyone taking biotin should know about.

Specifically, " . . . the FDA is particularly concerned about biotin interference causing a falsely low result for troponin, a clinically important biomarker to aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks, which may lead to a missed diagnosis and potentially serious clinical implications. The FDA continues to receive adverse events reports indicating biotin interference caused falsely low troponin results."

There's no way for most people to know when they're going to have a heart attack so they can't discontine the supplement in anticipation of the event. That suggests that it's especially important to make sure your medical records reflect your use of biotin as a supplement.

The FDA further states that "Since the FDA's safety communication on this topic in 2017, some lab test developers have been successful at mitigating the biotin interference of their assays, but others have not yet addressed it. The FDA remains concerned about troponin laboratory tests that have not addressed the risk of biotin interference. The FDA has posted a webpage onBiotin Interference with Troponin Lab Tests - Assays Subject to Biotin Interference to notify the public about troponin assays where the risk of biotin interference has not yet been addressed."

Last, "Consider that the daily recommended allowance for biotin is 0.03 mg and that amount does not typically cause interference in lab tests." That amount is what's usually listed as "30 mcg" on supplement labels.

All this info I've posted can be found in the "Safety Communication," the last link in NickNack's post. Thanks again for posting about it, @NickNack.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

ann1989 — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:40:00 GMT

I do take Andrew Lessman's supplements and he has biotin in many products. My hair grew extremely fast once I started taking it and is now longer than it's been in years. I take his Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails supplement. My nails though still break like they did before but I have been remiss in taking care of them by filing them during their growth. I think if I was better at that, they would be less likely to chip and break.

He also has biotin in his Essential 1 multi vitamin which I take everyday. He also has it in a supplement called Vitamin C 500 plus B Complex that I was taking everyday.

I have had lab tests but they required fasting. Biotin is water soluble and leaves the body when you urinate. My lab tests have not been affected.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

Sooner — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:41:57 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
@santorini wrote:
I take it regularly and don't plan to stop. If I ever plan to have tests done, I will skip it for a few days before the test.
This is old news, been posted here several times. I take a large does it daily, and yes, if my blood is to be drawn, will stop it a few days ahead. Most Biotin is eliminated in your urine anyway.

It's new news to me!

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

ann1989 — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:48:05 GMT

Going forward, I think I will stop taking the Vit C500 plus B Complex and take the Vit C 500 that does not contain it. Since taking his supplements I have never felt better. I have energy and no aches and pains. I do not have to take anything for sore joints like many I know in the same age bracket. I do not have a sore back while on his supplements but I certainly do when I stop taking his supplements for approximately 3 days in a row.

My thyroid has never spiked in an unusual way during a lab test which I read can happen when taking biotin.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

chrystaltree — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:57:09 GMT

This same information has been posted here before. Maybe it's true, maybe it isn't. I do know that supplements can indeed interfere with some lab results just as they can adversely interact with medications. Don't forget that supplements are drugs. This why when we go to the physician's office and we fill out the form with the drugs we are taking....it is vital that we list the OTC medications we take and all the vitamins and supplements we take. When I had my yearly physicial last summer, I took the bottles of all my supplemnts so that my doctor could actually see what I was taking and the dosage. See it and document it all in my medical record.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

suzyQ3 — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 23:50:18 GMT

It's also important to pay attention to what you should not ingest for a period of time before having surgery.

I am a fan of taking very few supplements -- a multivitamin, calcium, magnesium to help the calcium, and Vit D3 per my doctor's instruction.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

Bridgegal — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 02:12:01 GMT

Maybe it's semantics or the old devil's in the details. Supplements are regulated but not for safety or effectiveness . They are regulated under a very different set of rules.

From the Mayo Clinic:

"Regulations ensure that herbal supplements meet manufacturing standards but don't guarantee that they're safe or effective. Do your homework before you buy."

And they certainly aren't regulated for interactions with other supplements nor for prescription drugs.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

shoekitty — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 04:36:26 GMT

Biotin suppliments like lessmans also contain msm, niacin and b-12,etc. i get intense itching on my scalp and arms, I quit taking it, although it really is good for nails and hair. I also am one of those extremely allergic to sulpha drugs. I think the msm is part of my reaction. They say it is not the same sulfa, like the type of sulfa in hydrochlorathiazide. But I react to that.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

noodleann — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 03:24:28 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
This same information has been posted here before. Maybe it's true, maybe it isn't. I do know that supplements can indeed interfere with some lab results just as they can adversely interact with medications. Don't forget that supplements are drugs. This why when we go to the physician's office and we fill out the form with the drugs we are taking....it is vital that we list the OTC medications we take and all the vitamins and supplements we take. When I had my yearly physicial last summer, I took the bottles of all my supplemnts so that my doctor could actually see what I was taking and the dosage. See it and document it all in my medical record.

The FDA just updated the warning. That's news. I'm glad it was reposted because I'd not read about it before.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

ann1989 — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 03:50:08 GMT

What I like about Andrew Lessman's products is he manufactures them himself and has video tours to show you how it's done. No one else who sells supplements tells you where they get their product or how it's made or who made it. I've seen ads alluding to their source in a very general way but it's not the same thing as A.L. who puts his money where his mouth is.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

novamc1 — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 12:55:40 GMT

From what I know, it's absolutely true that a significant amount of biotin can interfere with blood test results.

In fact, I just had a complete blood workup several weeks ago as part of a general exam.

The lab report came back with a statement in bold print that biotin can affect the results.

I don't know which results could be affected, because "complete" blood tests cover a lot of different factors. My results closely mirrored those of the past several years, so I can't tell if the occasional vitamin pills I use did anything at all.

It seems to me that patients should be warned in advance to stop taking vitamin supplements for a while if a blood test might be done, and if it really is important to the eventual test results.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

tototwo — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 12:59:56 GMT

All I know is that my long-time doctor has told me to never take Biotin or any herbal supplement. Over time, they do more harm than good to the human body.

Re: From FDA--Biotin May Interfere With Lab Results

novamc1 — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:33:39 GMT

@suzyQ3

I do the same as you. Only take occasional vitamin supplements (a multivitamin, Vitamin D, a hair/skin/nails supplement, and vitamins especially for the eyes recommended by my eye doctor).

Have always been wary, however, of some of the dosages in those supplements, which seem huge to me (especially the biotin in hair/skin/nails pills and also the zinc in eye vitamins), which are way beyond any "recommended daily amount".

That's why I don't take all of them every day and often only one or two times per week.

I do wonder why I just had to have three skin biopsies done by a dermatologist for odd things that have popped up recently on my skin. The biopsies revealed nothing dangerous and probably were caused by friction of clothing around my neck and and on one leg (perhaps caused by wearing spandex exercise tights during workouts at the gym).

Maybe--just maybe--hair/skin/nail supplements help promote overgrowth of skin cells and promote abnormal growths. Don't know, but I'm now sticking to a simple multivitamin about three times a week. Skipping any extra biotin.