Aberrant Thyroid Function Tests in a Patient Taking Biotin Supplements

Biotin is a component of the B-complex vitamins that has been widely used in over-thecounter supplements. The effects of biotin on thyroid function tests (TFTs) have been recently reported by multiple authors. We report here a case of a patient who presented with TFTs consistent with hyperthyroidism and a positive radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scan while taking biotin supplements. The TFTs normalized almost a month later and continued to be normal even after resumption of biotin supplements. Interpreting TFTs while patients are taking biotin could pose a diagnostic challenge, so we suggest more frequent monitoring for those patients before starting them on long-term anti-thyroid medications.

November 2, 2019