As Americans look to improve their health in the new year, many will turn to vitamins and supplements as part of their healthy routine. However, experts emphasize the importance of understanding the potential interactions of supplements with drugs and a few brands of medical test results.
One notable example is Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, which is commonly the best-selling supplement online, and is found in a number of multivitamins. Among its many benefits, biotin can help keep your eyes, liver and nervous system healthy, and contribute to healthy skin, hair and nails. Some doctors recommend using biotin to help with multiple sclerosis and diabetes, too.
It is important to research side effects or ask your doctor before taking any supplements. For example, while biotin supplements aren’t related to any side effects, taking biotin can affect the results of certain brands of blood tests, which can lead to misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment for heart disease, thyroid conditions, breast cancer, pregnancy, and fertility.
“If you are taking multivitamins, biotin supplements, or pre-natal vitamins, be sure to talk to your doctor before your next blood test, so he can make sure the lab is using a test that isn’t affected by biotin,” says Ramani. Wonderling, PhD, associate director for scientific relations in diagnostics at Abbott, a global healthcare company.
Dr. Wonderling advises patients to ask their doctors the following questions.
• Will the test you order be affected by my biotin use?
• I select not to stop taking my supplement. Can I use a blood test that isn’t affected by taking my biotin supplement?
Wonderling also advises that those taking supplements read labels carefully and do their own research on the supplement brand, for optimal safety and health benefits. To learn more about supplements, biotin, and blood tests, visit abbott.com/biotin.
“Taking supplements can be an effective way to fill nutritional gaps,” says Wonderling. “But before starting a regimen, make sure you understand all the possible effects of each supplement you take.”
Article provided by StatePoint | Photo source: (c) Puhha – Fotolia.com
