Post-COVID hair loss? Can Biotin help?

many people who have recovered from COVID-19 complain of hair fall. Scientists are yet to determine the reason for such a phenomenon -- whether it is the virus making it happen or the stress of living in a pandemic or any deficiency caused by the disease.

New Delhi: Although India is seeing a decline in COVID-19 cases, the disease has left several after-effects on the body. Uncontrolled hair fall is one of them -- many people who have recovered from the disease complain of hair fall. Scientists are yet to determine the reason for such a phenomenon -- whether it is the virus making it happen or the stress of living in a pandemic or any deficiency caused by the disease. However, in the recovery period and even after that, it is important we keep a tab of meeting our nutrient needs and overall health to control incidents like hair loss. There are many nutrients that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss -- biotin is one of them. Biotin is one of the B vitamins; it is also known as vitamin B7. It is soluble in water and is the catalyst that converts some nutrients into energy. Biotin stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth, and hence has a role to play in the health of hair and nails -- lack of adequate biotin in your body may cause hair loss or brittle nails. Biotin requirement in adults is around 30 mcg/day, while women who are breastfeeding should take 35 mcg/day after consultation with a physician. While most of the requirements can be sourced from the food we eat, in people with biotin deficiency, taking over-the-counter supplements may help prevent hair loss after recovering from COVID.