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The 30-second answer
Without a deficiency, there is no strong evidence that zinc or biotin stops hair loss. Hair loss is a sign of low zinc and thinning hair a sign of low biotin, but biotin deficiency is rare with a varied diet, and Harvard calls the evidence for biotin supplements inconclusive. So zinc is the more likely fit if a test or doctor confirms a deficiency: 25 mg zinc at EGP 195. Note that biotin can skew some lab tests, and zinc tops out at 40 mg a day.
Before any supplement: is this normal shedding?
- Some daily shedding is normal: the American Academy of Dermatology says shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal.
- Extra shedding after an event: per the Academy, after losing a lot of weight, giving birth, heavy stress, a high fever, an operation or stopping birth-control pills.
- Low nutrients: hair loss is also a sign of low iron, per the NHS; see our signs of low iron, zinc and vitamins.
- Earlier is better: the Academy says the sooner treatment begins, the better, so see a dermatologist if shedding continues.
Zinc or biotin: point by point
- Zinc: Harvard lists loss of taste or smell, decreased immunity, slow wound healing and hair loss as signs of deficiency. Most at risk: pregnant women, vegetarians, and people with gut, liver or kidney disease.
- Biotin: Harvard lists thinning hair, scaly rashes around the eyes, nose and mouth, and brittle nails. Raw egg whites block its absorption, and alcohol raises the risk of deficiency.
- The evidence: Harvard says results for biotin supplements for hair and nails are inconclusive, with no published studies showing benefit for normal, healthy hair. For zinc, it says a deficiency should be confirmed before supplementing.
- Dose: biotin need is 30 mcg a day, while tablets on sale hold 5,000 to 10,000 mcg. Zinc need is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men, with a 40 mg maximum.
Zinc supplements
#1
25 mg zincLiposomalCheapest zinc
Organic Nation Liposomal Zinc – 30 tablets
The cheapest zinc on the list
EGP 195
EGP 6.5 per tablet · 30 tablets
- The pack says 25 mg zinc from 178.5 mg liposomal zinc gluconate
- One tablet a day with a meal, per the pack
- EGP 195 for 30 tablets
Heads-up: The pack says it is not for under-18s, and that zinc can lower copper
#2
25 mg zincVegetarian
Puritan’s Pride Zinc 25 mg – 100 tablets
Zinc on its own at a clear dose
EGP 950
EGP 9.5 per tablet · 100 tablets
- The pack says 25 mg zinc (as zinc gluconate) per tablet
- Below the 40 mg daily upper limit, per Harvard
- One tablet a day with a meal; the bottle lasts 100 days
Heads-up: Harvard says excess zinc can reduce iron and copper absorption, so do not take it long term without a doctor
Biotin supplements
#3
10 mg biotinOnce dailyCheapest biotin
Organic Nation Biotin 10,000 mcg – 60 tablets
The cheapest biotin per tablet
EGP 225
EGP 3.8 per tablet · 60 tablets
- The pack and page say 10,000 mcg biotin per tablet
- One tablet after breakfast, per the pack
- EGP 225 for 60 tablets, under EGP 4 a tablet
Heads-up: The pack says not to go past one month without a doctor, not for under-18s, and that biotin can change lab results
#4
5 mg biotinBiotin only
Puritan’s Pride Super Biotin 5,000 mcg – 60 capsules
Half the dose of the other tablets
EGP 600
EGP 10.0 per capsule · 60 capsules
- The page and pack say 5,000 mcg biotin per capsule
- Biotin only, with no added extras
- EGP 600 for 60 capsules
Heads-up: The page says to follow the label for dosing; tell your doctor you take it before any blood test
Zinc and biotin in one product
#5
Biotin + zinc15 mg zinc
Vee Biotin 10,000 mcg with Zinc – 30 capsules
Both in one capsule
EGP 450
EGP 15.0 per capsule · 30 capsules
- The page lists 10,000 mcg biotin and 15 mg zinc per capsule, with horsetail and B vitamins
- One capsule a day with a meal
- EGP 450 for 30 capsules, or EGP 585 for 60
Heads-up: If you take another zinc product, add the amounts and stay under 40 mg a day
#6
Biotin + zincSelenium
Sanopharma Biotin with Zinc and Selenium – 30 tablets
An Egyptian formula at a low price
EGP 210
EGP 7.0 per tablet · 30 tablets
- The pack says biotin with zinc and selenium
- One after meals, per the page
- EGP 210 for 30 tablets
Heads-up: The biotin and zinc amounts are not on the page, which says capsules while the pack says tablets
Comparison table: dose and price per unit
| Product | Per unit | Count | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Nation Biotin 10,000 mcg – 60 tablets | 10,000 mcg biotin | 60 | EGP 225 | EGP 3.8 |
| Organic Nation Liposomal Zinc – 30 tablets | 25 mg zinc | 30 | EGP 195 | EGP 6.5 |
| Sanopharma Biotin with Zinc and Selenium – 30 tablets | Biotin + zinc (amount not stated) | 30 | EGP 210 | EGP 7.0 |
| Puritan’s Pride Zinc 25 mg – 100 tablets | 25 mg zinc | 100 | EGP 950 | EGP 9.5 |
| Puritan’s Pride Super Biotin 5,000 mcg – 60 capsules | 5,000 mcg biotin | 60 | EGP 600 | EGP 10.0 |
| Vee Biotin 10,000 mcg with Zinc – 30 capsules | 10,000 mcg biotin + 15 mg zinc | 30 | EGP 450 | EGP 15.0 |
Which one suits you?
- Zinc: if a doctor suspects low zinc, or you are in a higher-risk group (pregnant, vegetarian, a gut condition), with signs such as loss of taste or slow wound healing.
- Biotin: if there is a reason for deficiency, such as a lot of raw egg or alcohol, or a doctor suspects it. Otherwise, the evidence is weak.
- Neither on its own: if shedding follows giving birth, stress, a fever or a strict diet, or you have signs of anaemia. The cause matters most.
- From the outside too: see our best shampoo for hair loss in Egypt.
Can you take them together?
- Yes, but count the zinc: add up zinc from every product you take and keep it under 40 mg a day, per Harvard.
- Tell your doctor about biotin: Harvard Health says high-dose biotin can interfere with hormone tests and the troponin test (a heart attack marker).
- Biotin for women: for more on the types, see our biotin types for women.
Important safety notes
- Before any blood test, tell your doctor or the lab that you take biotin; the US FDA has warned it can cause incorrect results.
- Too much zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea, per Harvard, and it reduces iron and copper absorption.
- The Organic Nation zinc and biotin packs say they are not for under-18s.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medicines, ask your doctor before any supplement.
- If hair falls in patches, with itching or scaling, or keeps falling, see a dermatologist.
Not sure which one?
Beseha pharmacists answer on WhatsApp. Tap the “Ask a pharmacist” button, say how long the shedding has lasted and any tests you have had, and they will help you choose.
FAQ
Which is better for hair loss: zinc or biotin?
There is no strong evidence for either without a deficiency. Hair loss is a sign of low zinc, biotin deficiency is rare with a varied diet, and Harvard calls the evidence for biotin supplements inconclusive.
Does biotin stop hair loss?
Harvard says there are no published studies showing biotin supplements benefit normal, healthy hair, and that the evidence is inconclusive.
What are the signs of low zinc?
Harvard lists loss of taste or smell, poor appetite, decreased immunity, slow wound healing, diarrhoea and hair loss.
What is the daily maximum for zinc?
The upper limit for adults is 40 mg a day, per Harvard.
Does biotin affect lab tests?
Yes. The US FDA has warned that biotin can cause incorrect results in some blood tests, such as hormone and troponin tests.
Can I take zinc and biotin together?
Yes, as long as total zinc from all products stays at or below 40 mg a day, and you tell your doctor about biotin before any test.
How many hairs a day is normal to shed?
The American Academy of Dermatology says shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal.
Read next: the Organic Nation product guide and do multivitamins increase appetite?.
The bottom line
Zinc is the better fit with a confirmed or strongly suspected deficiency, while biotin has weak evidence without one. Start with the cause: shedding after giving birth, stress or dieting, or low iron. If you take a supplement, keep zinc under 40 mg and tell your doctor about biotin before any test.
Shop zinc and minerals at Beseha →
Sources
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Zinc
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Biotin
- Harvard Health: Biotin may throw off lab test results
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hair shedding
- NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia
This content is for information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Prices and availability may change; the final price is on the product page.
