Vitamins For Varicose Veins

While there is no vitamin that will reverse the development of existing varicose veins, there are several vitamins that can help reduce inflammation and may even aid in the prevention of future varicose veins. Note that it's important to consult a doctor prior to any supplement implementation. Most often the best nutritional advice is to eat more fiber, which will result in less strain and maintain a healthy weight, both of which help to reduce pressure within veins.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a role in several functions throughout the body including vision, immune function, embryonic development and reproduction, bone metabolism, and most important in regards to varicose veins, skin health and antioxidant activity.

Found in orange and dark green fruits/vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, apricots, broccoli, spinach, and most dark green, leafy vegetables Vitamin A is actually best absorbed from animal sources like beef, calf, and chicken liver; fish liver oils; whole milk dairy products such as yogurt and cottage cheese; eggs.

A vitamin A intake of 25,000 IU is recommended for skin integrity and in the case of existing varicose veins, can promote the healing of ulcers.

Vitamin C & Flavonoids
Vitamin C and flavonoids has been found to aid circulation, promote healing of sores, and assist in the strengthening of fragile vein walls.

Particularly high levels of vitamin C can be found in broccoli, bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, mustard and turnip greens, brussel sprouts, papaya, chard, cabbage, spinach, kiwifruit, snow peas, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit, limes, tomatoes, zucchini, raspberries, asparagus, celery, pineapples, lettuce, watermelon, fennel, peppermint and parsley.

The recommended daily intake is 1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times a day. Reduce vitamin C dose if diarrhea develops.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E promotes improved circulation, connective tissue growth and is believed to help relieve calf pain due to narrowing of the arteries (though studies are inconclusive).

Excellent sources of vitamin E can be found in asparagus, avocado, eggs, milk, nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts), seeds, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, unheated vegetable oils, wheat germ, wholegrain foods such as fortified cereals.

Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant medications. Dosage recommendations take 300 to 800 IU.

B Vitamins

Vitamin B-complex can help maintain strong blood vessels and has been found to support and increase the rate of metabolism, help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, and promote cell growth and division-including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia.

B vitamins are found in all whole, unprocessed foods such as brown rice, wheat and barley. B vitamins are particularly concentrated in meat and meat products such as liver, turkey, and tuna. Other excellent B vitamin sources include: potatoes, bananas, lentils, chile peppers, tempeh, beans, nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast, and molasses.