Short answer first. Biotin as a molecule is almost always permissible, because the biotin in supplements is made synthetically rather than extracted from an animal. The halal question is rarely the biotin. It is what the biotin is sitting in.
Where biotin actually comes from
Biotin, also called vitamin B7, occurs naturally in foods like eggs, nuts and seeds. The biotin used in supplements is manufactured, which is why it is not usually the thing that makes a product doubtful.1 If a label simply says biotin or D biotin, the active itself is not your problem.
The four things that actually decide it
- The capsule shell. Gelatine unless stated otherwise, and gelatine is usually porcine or non certified bovine.2 Plant shells are named: HPMC, hypromellose, cellulose, pullulan.
- The gummy base. A biotin gummy set with gelatine carries the same issue. Pectin set gummies do not.
- The carrier or coating. Glycerine, magnesium stearate and some flow agents can be animal derived. Vegetable sourced versions are normally stated on the pack.
- The colour. Carmine, E120, is insect derived and scholars have differed on it. Beetroot and paprika extract are common alternatives.
What biotin is allowed to claim
This matters as much as the sourcing, because the internet is full of claims that are not permitted in the UK or EU. The authorised wording is narrow: biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin.3 Note what is missing. Biotin does not carry an authorised claim for nails. That one belongs to zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
If a brand tells you biotin strengthens your nails, grows your hair faster or reverses thinning, it is making a claim it is not allowed to make. That is a reason to be more sceptical about the rest of the label, not less.
How much is normal
Biotin deficiency is rare in people eating a varied diet, and the NHS notes that most people get what they need from food.1 Supplement doses vary enormously, from tens of micrograms to many thousands. A very high dose is not automatically better, and very high biotin can interfere with some laboratory blood tests, which is worth mentioning to your doctor if you are having bloods taken.
Where ours sits
Our gummies carry 2500mcg of biotin per two gummy serving alongside marine collagen, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin E, and they are set with pectin rather than gelatine. We wrote about why we picked those amounts in the Haqq Standard.
Biotin, zinc and vitamin C in a pectin set gummy. Halal certified, made in the UK.
Shop Halal Collagen GummiesFrequently asked questions
Is biotin derived from animals? Supplement biotin is made synthetically, so the molecule itself is not usually the issue. The capsule, base and coating are.
Are biotin gummies halal? Only if the gummy is set with pectin rather than gelatine, and the colours are not insect derived.
Can biotin claim to help nails? No. The authorised claim covers hair and skin. Zinc is the nutrient with an authorised claim covering nails.
Ali & Safah, Founders of Haqq Health
Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
References
- Vitamins and minerals. NHS. nhs.uk
- Is Gelatin Halal? What Consumers and Manufacturers Must Know. Halal Foundation. halalfoundation.org
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, register of permitted health claims. EUR-Lex. eur-lex.europa.eu
- Is Collagen Halal? Marine, Bovine and Chicken Rulings. DeenAtlas. deenatlas.com