No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Capsule Category: Vitamin
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for hair growth and thinning hair, brittle nails, skin health.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: biotin, a B vitamin that your body needs to break down food and convert it into energy. Biotin is also involved in the growth of hair, skin, and nails.

Each capsule provides 5,000 micrograms — a high-dose supplement form, since typical food sources and standard prenatal vitamins provide much smaller amounts. The inactive ingredients are hypromellose (a capsule material), rice concentrate, and rice extract blend (fillers).

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: beauty nutrient for hair, skin and nails.
  • We looked for evidence on: Biotin deficiency, Brittle nails, Hair loss, Nail health, Skin quality.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Biotin is rated "Likely Effective" for Biotin deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Biotin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Brittle nails.

Biotin is likely effective for treating biotin deficiency, which is rare but can happen if you have malabsorption issues or certain genetic conditions. For other uses — multiple sclerosis, seborrheic dermatitis (a scaly skin condition), and hair loss (alopecia areata) — the evidence either suggests it probably doesn't help or isn't strong enough to say.

If you're taking this for one of those other reasons, talk with your pharmacist about whether the evidence supports it for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Biotin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Biotin is generally well tolerated, even at high doses, because your body excretes excess amounts in your urine. High-dose biotin has rarely been linked to mild diarrhea; two patients taking 300 mg daily reported transient mild diarrhea.

One case report described a woman who developed inflammation around the heart and lungs after taking biotin 10 mg daily along with other supplements for 2 months, but whether biotin was the cause remains unclear, and no similar cases have been reported since. Pregnancy and lactation: the safety data rates biotin as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, though the facts advise checking with your doctor before taking high-dose supplements (this product is high-dose).

Normal dietary and supplement amounts are considered fine.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Biotin

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for biotin with any medications. That said, run your exact drugs through the checker on this page or ask your pharmacist to review them, especially if you're on anything for a serious condition.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Real Food Biotin is a solid choice if you have a biotin deficiency or want to try high-dose biotin for hair, skin, or nails — though the evidence for those last three is weak. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or take any medications, check with your doctor first because this is a high-dose product.

No drug interactions are documented, but run your medications through the checker on this page to be sure.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614210391
Net contents 90 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 191098
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
087614210391
IngredientAmount% DV
Biotin5000 mcg16667%

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice concentrate, Rice extract Blend

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

The beauty nutrient that nourishes hair, skin and nails

Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Nourishes Hair, Skin & Nails

From Hummingbird tree

Formula

Biotin is part of the B-vitamin complex that supports energy production

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two veggie capsules per day with water.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Orgen-Bio is a registered trademark of Orgenetics, Inc.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or if you have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Vitamin Supplement

General

SWU1039 Rev 1 06 25 18

See for yourself

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Biotin

No known
interactions
5000 mcg per serving Form: Certified organic Orgen-Bio Sesbania extract

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs to turn food into energy and to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. Most people get...

Biotin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice concentrate, Rice extract Blend. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg by Swanson interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will biotin help my hair grow?
The evidence we have doesn't reliably support biotin for hair loss (alopecia areata). If you're interested in trying it anyway, your pharmacist can help you set realistic expectations and track whether you notice a change over time.
Is 5,000 mcg a high dose?
Yes — typical food and standard prenatal vitamins provide much smaller amounts. Because this is high-dose, the safety notes advise checking with your doctor before taking it, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any health conditions.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Biotin is rated likely safe in pregnancy, but because this is a high-dose supplement, the data recommends talking with your doctor first. Normal dietary amounts and those in prenatal vitamins are fine, but high-dose products warrant personalized advice.
What are the side effects?
High-dose biotin is generally well tolerated. The main reported side effect is mild diarrhea, which has been rare. One unusual case of inflammation around the heart and lungs was reported after someone took 10 mg daily with other supplements for 2 months, but it's unclear whether biotin was responsible, and no similar cases have occurred since.
Does it interact with my medications?
No interactions are documented in our data for biotin. That said, use the interaction checker on this page with your exact medications, or ask your pharmacist to review them with you.
What is biotin used for?
Biotin is a B vitamin your body uses to convert food into energy and to maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails. It's likely effective for biotin deficiency. The evidence for other uses — like treating seborrheic dermatitis or multiple sclerosis — is weak or suggests it probably doesn't help.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Real Food Biotin 5,000 mcg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 4 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Biotin 4 references
  1. Debourdeau PM, Djezzar S, Estival JL, et al. Life-threatening eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion related to vitamins B5 and H. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:424-6. DOI
  2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  3. Mock DM, Quirk JG, Mock NI. Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:295-9. PubMed
  4. Sedel F, Papeix C, Bellanger A, Touitou V, Lebrun-Frenay C, Galanaud D, et al. High doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015;4(2):159-69. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.01.005. PubMed

See these in context on the Biotin monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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