Alpha-Lipoic Acid with Biotin
Life Extension
Alpha-Lipoic Acid with Biotin
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(886 ratings)
Biotin 2500 mcg
Score 55.0
A blend of ALA and biotin, offering antioxidant support but at a very high price point.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Anti-Aging
Detoxification
Heart Health
Energy
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 55.0
A blend of ALA and biotin, offering antioxidant support but at a very high price point.
insights Analysis
Life Extension's Alpha-Lipoic Acid with Biotin is a synergistic blend, combining the powerful antioxidant properties of ALA (250mg) with a foundational 2500 mcg dose of biotin. This formulation targets both cellular health and beauty support, which is a unique selling point. While ALA is beneficial for general health and can indirectly support skin by combating oxidative stress, the biotin dose is moderate compared to many single-ingredient biotin products. The most significant drawback is its exceptionally high price per serving, which makes it a premium product not easily justified for consumers primarily seeking biotin benefits.
- Combines biotin with Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant.
- Offers dual benefits for cellular health and beauty support.
- Very high price per serving, making it less economical for biotin supplementation.
- Biotin dosage (2500 mcg) is lower than many popular dedicated beauty supplements.
- The primary focus seems to be on ALA, with biotin as a secondary ingredient.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid can affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes or on blood sugar-lowering medications should consult a doctor.
- Biotin can interfere with certain lab tests, necessitating disclosure to healthcare providers.
$27.00($0.45 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 | 2500 mcg |
Alpha-Lipoic Acid | 250 mg |
Categories
Biotin 50.0
As a biotin product, its 2500 mcg dose is modest compared to dedicated high-potency options, and its value is significantly diminished by the very high price per serving. It's more of a specialized blend than a straightforward biotin supplement, which places it lower for general biotin-focused comparisons.
Goals
Skin Health 65.0
The combination of ALA's antioxidant properties and biotin's role in cell health can offer synergistic benefits for skin, potentially reducing oxidative damage and supporting regeneration. However, the price is high for this specific blend, especially if skin is the sole focus.
Hair Health 60.0
While the 2500 mcg biotin dose offers some support for hair health, it's considered moderate compared to the 5000-10000 mcg dosages often sought for noticeable improvements. The added ALA's direct impact on hair health is less established than biotin's.
Nail Health 60.0
The 2500 mcg biotin dosage is a standard amount for general nail support, but it might not provide the rapid or dramatic improvements desired by those with significant nail issues, where higher biotin doses are often preferred and more effective in user experiences.
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