Biotin use among cancer patients could complicate testing, treatment

Biotin use in the U.S. has increased as people seek to improve hair, skin, and nail health, but doctors warn it can interfere with lab tests and affect cancer care. Anna Malagoli, a breast cancer survivor, experienced hair loss from chemotherapy and turned to biotin supplements, which led to discrepancies in her lab results. Dr. Brittany Dulmage from Ohio State University advises patients to discuss supplements with their oncologists and suggests alternatives like topical minoxidil for hair regrowth. Malagoli saw positive results after switching treatments, emphasizing the importance of communicating supplement use to healthcare providers to avoid unintended interactions.