Biotin is vitamin B7. There is a group in France studying Biotin. They published a small study a few months ago, and a larger study was presented at the AAN meeting last month. The results of the study were reported to show a benefit in patients with primary or secondary progressive MS. There were 154 patient enrolled in this study, half on biotin and half on placebo. The outcome measured was the number of people who improved on their disability at 9 months and who continued to be improved at 12 months. 13% improved in the biotin group compared to none in the placebo group. While this is encouraging, this has to be viewed with caution. First, it is surprising that there would be improvement after only 9 months since the nervous system is very slow to heal. Also, only 13 patients improved. This low number improving suggests that the biotin was not helpful for the majority of patients, but it also brings into question whether the results could be due to difficulties with study design such as inadequate numbers of patients or problems with blinding of the treatment/placebo arms. A larger study with a phase III design will be needed to determine whether biotin is truly helpful. This would need to include outcomes such as MRI, eye examinations or evoked potentials to demonstrate that any improvement was actually due to healing of the nervous system.
Most Recent Articles
SCI Spotlight: Dr. Jed Gorden, Director of Swedish Interventional Pulmonology and Medical Director for The Center of Lung Research
Caregiver Support: Emotional Wellbeing
While trying to be the perfect caregiver for your loved one, do not forget to take care of yourself as well.
Don't delay your mammogram, even during COVID-19
Screening mammograms save lives. Learn how Swedish breast centers are welcoming patients and following extensive infection control guidelines to ensure their safety.
Are you one of the millions of women at risk for melanoma?
Melanoma rates are on the rise for women ages 18 to 39. Learn more about the signs, types, causes and prevention of this deadly skin cancer from Swedish.
When to schedule a prostate cancer screening
Learn the signs and whether you’re at risk for prostate cancer during September’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Don't miss the signs of ovarian cancer
The early signs of ovarian cancer can be easy to miss or misdiagnose as related to another, less serious condition. Learn more from Swedish.
World Heart Day: Why it matters
Heart defects and cardiovascular disease affect all ages. Know your risk factors and keep your heart healthy with preventive maintenance.
How to help someone in the midst of a mental health crisis
To mark National Suicide Prevention Week, Swedish shares tips and offers support that can help make a difference.
Black Breastfeeding Week – and Why it Matters
We’re celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week by acknowledging the barriers Black mothers face and how we can remove them.
Back to school looks different this year: Set the stage for success
Whether your kids are heading back in masks or learning virtually, find ways to prepare your family for what's next.
Managing expectations when timelines are dictated by COVID-19
The pandemic is creating a new timeline and tossing old traditions out the door. Discover how you can help your family manage new expectations.
These health conditions can contribute to serious illnesses and disease. It's important to know your risks.
Why it’s even more important this year to be prepared for cold and flu season
This fall, we’ll likely find ourselves working to reduce of risk of getting three different viruses: colds, the flu and COVID-19. Learn how you can stay healthy.
Get the facts on joint replacement
Advances in joint replacement are leading to shorter recovery, less pain and more movement. Find out if it’s right for you.
It's National Minority Donor Awareness Month
This event highlights the need for organ donations within multicultural communities. Learn more.