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

An expert’s take on stroke and ways to reduce your risk

Whether it's cold or flu symptoms or a sudden illness or injury, it can be hard to know where to go to seek the right treatment. Here's some guidance to help you decide.

Remember to make an appointment for your annual eye exam. If you have concerns about your eye health, the experts at Swedish Ophthalmology can help.

Advice from Swedish experts for protecting your skin and lowering your risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

With a new baby, most birthing people experience emotional highs and lows. Persistent mood changes and impaired functioning may signal something more serious.

Prioritize your mental health. Swedish is here to help.

Advice from a Swedish expert and resource roundup for Women's Health Month.

Summer brings fun and adventure, and sometimes, bumps and bruises. Know where and when to go for treatment when you need it.

A Swedish behavioral health expert on the dangers of fentanyl and how to get help if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction.

Swedish is home to a Certified Center of Excellence for ALS care and offers patients the highest levels of multi-disciplinary care.

For three decades, Swedish has partnered with the Puget Sound-based organization dedicated to empowering and educating Black women who have breast cancer.

James Donaldson won an NBA championship with the Seattle Supersonics. Today, he's a mental health advocate who helps others by sharing the story of his near-death experience and rebuilding his life.

At Swedish, our occupational therapists meet patients where they are functionally to help them live as independently as possible.

Two transplant nurses at the Swedish Organ Transplant Center discuss their specialty and the rewards it brings them to share the gift of life.

COVID booster guidance has been for the immune compromised and those ages 65 and older has been updated. The FDA also updated booster guidance for kids ages 6 months to 5 years old.

A head and neck specialist at Swedish discusses oral, head and neck cancers, warning signs and ways to lower your risk.

For National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we spoke with two of the incredible volunteers who support our patients and caregivers.

Swedish Chief Health Equity Officer Nwando Anyaoku, M.D., discusses the deadly reality of health care disparities and how Swedish is closing the gaps.

Event affirms Swedish's commitment to Black women's right to joy, dignity and well-being before, during and after pregnancy.

Swedish offers revolutionary heart care for tricuspid regurgitation. Our experts share treatment options and explain why the new procedure offers new hope.