{"id":763371,"date":"2026-04-30T09:26:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/763371\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T09:26:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T09:26:30","slug":"this-popular-supplement-may-interfere-with-cancer-treatment-scientists-warn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/763371\/","title":{"rendered":"This Popular Supplement May Interfere With Cancer Treatment, Scientists Warn"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Man<\/a>A common vitamin taken for hair regrowth may quietly distort key medical test results in cancer patients. Credit: Shutterstock<\/p>\n

A dermatologist says there are safer alternatives to biotin for treating hair loss related to cancer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally difficult side effects of cancer treatment. For many patients, it affects identity, confidence, and a sense of normalcy. In search of solutions, some turn to biotin supplements, often promoted online as a simple way to restore hair and strengthen nails.<\/p>\n

But doctors warn that this popular approach may do more harm than good.<\/p>\n

Brittany Dulmage, MD, an oncodermatologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center \u2013 Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, says there is little evidence that oral biotin helps people regrow hair during or after cancer therapy. More concerning, she explains, is its potential to disrupt critical lab tests.<\/p>\n

Biotin, also called vitamin B7, plays a role in helping the body produce keratin, a protein essential for hair, skin, and nails. However, true deficiencies are rare because the vitamin is widely available in everyday foods such as eggs, meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. For most people, extra supplementation does not translate into better hair growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople have the misconception that biotin supplements are harmless and there\u2019s no reason not to take them. The reality is that the supplements may cause inaccurate lab results, resulting in a delay or change in patients\u2019 treatment plans,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Dulmage serves as associate director of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and leads the Oncodermatology Clinic, which focuses on managing hair, skin, and nail side effects related to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.<\/p>\n

\"Anna<\/a>Anna Malagoli, a breast cancer survivor, took biotin to regain her long curls until her doctor at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center \u2013 Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio warned it could affect her treatment. Credit: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than half the patients who come to see me with a problem related to hair loss are on a supplement that they\u2019ve started on their own after learning about it online, by word of mouth, and sometimes even at the advice of their doctor,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

To highlight these risks, Dulmage is the senior author of a study published in JCO Oncology Practice. The paper encourages oncologists to discuss hair loss openly with patients and explain how biotin supplements may affect diagnostic testing.<\/p>\n

Biotin supplements can affect blood work for some cancers<\/p>\n

Biotin can interfere with lab tests used to monitor several cancers, including prostate, thyroid, ovarian, and breast cancer. Some of these tests rely on chemical reactions that involve biotin, meaning that supplement use can produce results that appear falsely high or low.<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/a>Credit: Ohio State University<\/p>\n

\u201cBiotin does not actually change the levels of hormones in the body, but it interferes with the way those levels could be checked when blood work is done,\u201d she said. \u201cFor some of the hormones, such as prostate-specific antigen, PSA, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH, it may falsely suppress or lower those levels, potentially masking cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. For reproductive hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, it may falsely elevate levels, resulting in delayed therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anna Malagoli of Columbus experienced this issue firsthand while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Like many patients, she was concerned about hair loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour hair is very much a part of you. One of the first things you ask is \u2018Am I going to lose my hair?\u2019 It\u2019s such an important thing for people \u2013 not everybody looks good with no hair,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

After her cancer entered remission, she focused on regrowing her long, curly hair and began taking biotin supplements based on information she found online.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe amount of information on the Internet can lead you in different directions. I was taking so much biotin it\u2019s not even funny,\u201d she said. \u201cNobody mentioned one word that biotin vitamins or minerals or supplements could interfere with your treatment or your testing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Credit: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center<\/p>\n

Patient had inconsistent lab results while taking biotin supplements<\/p>\n

Malagoli first became aware of the issue during an appointment with Dulmage. Looking back, she realized the connection between her supplement use and her test results.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy lab results were inconsistent. They just didn\u2019t balance out with what I was feeling so that was a red flag. I think it had to do with the supplements I was taking,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

For patients who still choose to take biotin, Dulmage advises stopping the supplement at least 72 hours before scheduled blood tests.<\/p>\n

\"Brittany<\/a>More than half of the cancer patients Brittany Dulmage, MD, treats for hair loss at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center \u2013 Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute started taking a nutrition supplement on their own or on the advice of a doctor. Instead of biotin, Dr. Dulmage recommends patients take a prescription safe for widespread use. Credit: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center<\/p>\n

\u201cThe challenge is that not all blood work is planned so you may not be able to hold your biotin. Biotin can also impact the levels of troponin, which is a marker of whether or not someone is having a heart attack,\u201d she said. \u201cObviously, you\u2019re not planning to have a heart attack so you can\u2019t hold biotin before troponin levels are checked. This is why I recommend to patients\u2014think about not taking it at all, especially since very few people are biotin deficient.\u201d<\/p>\n

FDA-approved minoxidil is a safe, effective alternative to biotin supplements<\/p>\n

As a safer alternative for managing hair loss, Dulmage recommends minoxidil instead of biotin supplements. She noted that it is both effective and generally safe, except for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Over-the-counter minoxidil is FDA-approved and available in topical forms such as lotions and foams.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have been trying minoxidil for several months and not seeing any improvement, or want to know about other options, see a dermatologist. There are many other types of treatments that may be an option,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Malagoli has used both treatments and found minoxidil more effective over time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if my body just doesn\u2019t assimilate the supplements as well, but minoxidil is definitely more effective long-term,\u201d she said. \u201cI would say it\u2019s super important to listen to your doctors and not just do your thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reference: \u201cBiotin Supplements for Hair and Nail Regrowth: A Caution for Oncologists\u201d by Layna Mager, Olivia Ueltschi, Lucy Rose, Brittany Dulmage, 15 September 2025, JCO Oncology Practice.
DOI: 10.1200\/OP-25-00693<\/a><\/p>\n

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