Alpha Lipoic Sustain with Biotin
Jarrow Formulas
Alpha Lipoic Sustain with Biotin
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1077 ratings)
Biotin 330 mcg
Score 55.0
Mainly an Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement with minimal biotin; not ideal for targeted hair, skin, or nail growth.
Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Anti-Aging
Detoxification
Heart Health
Hair Health
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 55.0
Mainly an Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement with minimal biotin; not ideal for targeted hair, skin, or nail growth.
insights Analysis
Jarrow Formulas combines 300 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid with 330 mcg of D-Biotin. This product is designed more for ALA's sustained-release antioxidant properties, potentially offering metabolic benefits. The biotin dose is barely above the RDI and is likely included to mitigate any potential biotin depletion from ALA, rather than to serve as a primary hair, skin, and nail supplement. It's a quality product from a respected brand, but its focus isn't primarily biotin for cosmetic effects.
- Features sustained-release Alpha Lipoic Acid for prolonged antioxidant benefits
- From Jarrow Formulas, a well-respected and reputable brand
- Insufficient biotin dosage (330 mcg) for targeted hair, skin, and nail benefits typically sought by consumers.
- Primarily an Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement, potentially misleading for those expecting high biotin efficacy.
- Price is high given the negligible effective biotin contribution.
- Consumers should be aware that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can potentially interfere with biotin absorption if biotin intake is already marginal, though the low dose here lessens this specific concern for general users.
$16.99($0.28 per serving)
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bolt Effectiveness for goals
Some research suggests that biotin supplementation may improve hair strength and reduce shedding, particularly in individuals with an underlying biotin deficiency. However, robust evidence for significant hair growth benefits in healthy individuals without a deficiency is limited. It primarily supports the body's natural keratin infrastructure.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is frequently taken to support hair, skin, and nail health. It is also involved in various metabolic processes, helping convert food into energy. The effectiveness for these specific uses in individuals without a deficiency is an active area of research.
Scientific evidence supports biotin's essential role as a coenzyme in various metabolic pathways and its therapeutic use in treating biotin deficiency. For claims regarding improved hair, skin, and nails in healthy individuals, the scientific literature provides mixed results, often relying on smaller studies or anecdotal evidence rather than large-scale, controlled trials.
Several clinical studies have indicated that biotin supplementation can improve nail thickness and reduce splitting in individuals experiencing brittle nail syndrome. This benefit is thought to stem from biotin's role in the production of keratin, a primary component of nails. Results typically require consistent use over several months.
Biotin is an essential nutrient, and severe deficiency can manifest as hair loss, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms. Supplementation is most clearly effective in alleviating these symptoms when an actual deficiency is present. For individuals with adequate biotin levels, the benefits of additional supplementation are less consistently established by research.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
While there is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin due to its rarity of deficiency, an Adequate Intake (AI) of 30 micrograms (mcg) per day is established for adults. However, many supplements contain significantly higher doses, often ranging from 1,000 mcg to 10,000 mcg, particularly for those looking to support hair, skin, and nail health. Always consult product labels and a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning excess amounts are generally excreted by the body. While widely considered safe even at doses much higher than the AI (e.g., 5,000-10,000 mcg), extremely high doses have been shown to interfere with certain laboratory tests, particularly those for thyroid function and cardiac biomarkers, potentially leading to inaccurate results. It is advisable to inform your healthcare provider about any biotin supplementation, especially before lab tests.
The time required to observe noticeable results from biotin supplementation can vary significantly among individuals. For improvements in hair, skin, or nails, consistent daily use over several weeks to a few months is commonly suggested before any changes may become apparent. Individual factors like metabolism and initial biotin status can influence the timeline.
Biotin supplements can generally be taken at any time of day, with or without food, as preferred. Some individuals choose to take it in the morning with breakfast to help establish a consistent routine. Consistency in daily intake is often considered more important than the specific time of day for efficacy.
Biotin supplements are available in a wide range of strengths, often much higher than the established Adequate Intake. Common supplement strengths include 1,000 mcg (1 mg), 5,000 mcg (5 mg), and 10,000 mcg (10 mg). Some products may offer even higher dosages depending on their intended use.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, high doses of biotin supplements can significantly interfere with certain laboratory tests, especially those using biotin-streptavidin technology. This interference can lead to falsely high or low results for hormones, cardiac markers, and other analytes. It is crucial to inform your doctor about biotin use before any lab work to avoid misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
Biotin is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are rare when taken at recommended doses. Some individuals might experience mild digestive upset, nausea, or skin rashes, though these are uncommon. Due to its water-soluble nature, excess biotin is typically excreted from the body.
Biotin can potentially interact with certain medications, such as some anti-seizure drugs, which may lower biotin levels in the body. Conversely, high biotin intake might affect the metabolism of other drugs. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining biotin with any prescription medications.
While biotin is water-soluble and excess is typically excreted, very high doses can lead to potential issues like interference with lab tests. There is no established upper tolerable intake level due to low toxicity, but exceeding recommended daily amounts without medical supervision is not advised. Always discuss appropriate dosage with a healthcare provider.
Biotin is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, and adequate intake is important for fetal development. However, supplementing with high doses beyond what is found in a standard prenatal vitamin should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Current research suggests it is likely safe at recommended daily allowances for breastfeeding mothers.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Biotin | 330 mcg |
Alpha Lipoic Acid | 300 mg |
Categories
Biotin 45.0
Its presence in the 'Biotin' collection is questionable given the minimal biotin content and higher price relative to dedicated biotin supplements. It does not serve as an effective primary biotin source for its collection.
Goals
Skin Health 55.0
While Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant beneficial for overall skin health by combating free radical damage, the biotin component offers no significant direct support for the specific skin improvements commonly associated with biotin, such as improved elasticity or complexion from higher doses.
Hair Health 40.0
The low biotin dose in this product is inadequate for stimulating significant hair growth or improving hair strength in individuals looking for noticeable changes. Its contribution to hair health is marginal at best.
Nail Health 40.0
The minimal 330 mcg biotin dosage is unlikely to produce any measurable improvement in nail strength or a reduction in brittleness. It does not provide the necessary potency for direct nail enhancement.
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