Silica Complex and Biotin

My nutritionist suggested using both of these in conjunction with each other to help with hair loss.

Has anyone else ever tried these, or tried either one?  I've been using just the Biotin for some time and it does help somewhat, but my nutritionist suggests using both together.  Just wanted to see what others thought.  Thanks.

No supplement (or topical preparation) will prevent the hair loss or shorten the duration of it, just because of the nature of the hair loss (your body changing the growth and resting phases of the hair).  Vitamin (biotin) and mineral (silica) supplements might help with regrowth, but there is no guarantee.  I am not familiar with how silica would help with hair.  I am only familiar with its use to try to improve collagen production in the body and don't know of any reason that the biotin would help the body better absorb the silica or vice versa.  Unless you can reach toxic levels of silica in your body, though, it probably cannot hurt to try taking it.  Be aware, though, that too much biotin can cause the growth of additional facial hair (which is permanent).

Lora

I don't think there is a definitive answer, especially since it partially depends on your body.  In my case, 7500 units every other day caused the facial hair to start to grow after a few weeks, and then it continued at 5000 units per day.  I stopped taking it for a while, and then resumed at 5000 every other day and that seemed to be ok.  The kicker is that the hair on my head didn't grow any faster with the biotin than the slow rate at which it had always grown.  :(  THAT is when I found that there isn't any documented evidence that it helps regrowth (unless you are deficient and the deficiency is affecting hair growth, of course).

Lora

Thanks!  I have been taking 10,000/day.  Haven't seen any facial hair growth, BUT, I'm not sure that it is helping with regrowth either.  My hair has always grown quickly and my little hairs seem to be growing in just as quickly.  I'm at 6 months and the 'fallout' doesn't seem to be slowing any yet... luckily, I started with a lot of hair and it is curly.  I think that I might cut back on the Biotin... one less daily pill to take.

I've been taking biotin for a few months now in preparation for my surgery.  At 5000mcg a day, I haven't seen any increase in facial hair at all.  I'm not facially hairy though.  Just my two cents.  I've seen LOTS of surgeons recommend biotin, zinc and silica as things which might help mitigate hair loss.  I wouldn't give up just on one person's word, it can't hurt.

I'll think on it... my surgeon's office is of the opinion that it doesn't help stimulate growth, but, helps with the condition of what you have.

Since menopause I have had a lot of facial hair growth and have not noticed it getting worse with Biotin.  I take 5 mgs per day and really notice a difference when I don't take it.