Can Biotin Interfere With Thyroid Test Results?

Posted on Sat, 6 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 6 May 2017 Answered on

Mon, 29 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it possible that higher doses of Biotin can affect the result of a TSH study?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, biotin can interfere with TSH result:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
Yes, there are many cases reported where the TSH level has been altered due to interference of biotin in the result.
If there are no clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism and thyroid ultrasound is normal, i would recommend to stop biotin tablets and check the TSH 6 weeks after.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (16 minutes later)

Thanks! Actually I have symptoms for hypothyroid. Both my total T4 and free T4 are low normal so I had expected the TSH to be slightly elevated. Thanks again for your input.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Check the hormones after discontinuing biotin:

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
After withdrawal of biotin you should check the thyroid hormones again to judge about it's function.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana