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
Five things you should know about the baby formula shortage
A Swedish expert offers advice for anxious parents.
The hard work of hope: Swedish celebrates Clinical Trials Day
We recognize historic advances in health and medicine and the ongoing work that will change lives for generations to come.
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for brain tumors.
Brain tumors are rare. They occur in various parts of the brain, causing a variety of symptoms. Learn about the signs and cutting-edge treatments.
Rooted in strength: Swedish First Hill Chief Nursing Officer Marci Mann on National Nurses Week
A Swedish nurse leader discusses the incredible work of our nurses, the current critical moment and her hopes for the future of nursing.
Melanoma is a common cancer. Learn about signs and treatments.
Melanoma is the fifth most common skin cancer. It’s invasive but is easily treated with early detection. Discover the signs and leading-edge therapies.
Women’s health: Changes for every phase of life
Women’s health issues change through all phases of life. Find out what to expect at every age.
For Women's Health Week, fitness tips from a pro athlete
For some fitness advice from a pro, we caught up with Sharon Tsao (she/her) from the Swedish-sponsored Seattle Tempest women’s ultimate frisbee team.
It’s National Stroke Awareness Month: What women should know
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so we spoke with a Swedish neurologist about strokes in women. Learn about unique signs and symptoms.
Recognize and manage the signs of mental health struggles.
The pandemic has been difficult on our mental health. A mental health expert at Swedish shares some warning signs and coping tactics.
With 10-year anniversary, the Swedish MS Center marks a decade of healing
Swedish's MS Center is the country's largest and most comprehensive.
Reduce your weight to increase your health
A weight-loss expert from Swedish answers common questions about surgical and non-surgical weight loss programs and the health benefits of losing weight.
A Reason to Celebrate: Vaccines save lives
We’re celebrating the lifesaving work of scientists and researchers, and individuals and families in protecting themselves from serious diseases.
Improving the occupation of living with occupational therapy
Two occupational therapists at Swedish share an overview of Occupational therapy and answer common questions.
Understanding mental health counseling
A mental health expert at Swedish shares insights and information to help you understand counseling, what it entails and when it’s needed.
What is the BA.2 subvariant and should we be worried?
A Swedish infection prevention expert answers basic questions about the BA.2 subvariant of omicron.
Understanding oral, head and neck cancers
A head and neck specialist at Swedish answers common questions about oral, head, and neck cancers, their causes, and ways to prevent them.
Women's History Month spotlight: Tia Strappazon, MHA, senior manager, program development, Physician Enterprise Puget Sound
Celebrating our caregivers paving the way for future generations.
Swedish's facility dogs: a hospital's best friends
Facility dogs Aulani and Jared offer support to Swedish patients and caregivers.
It's National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week
We recognize victories of community organizers, with much work still to be done.