Vitamins To Keep From Bruising

Bruising occurs when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin break and the skin tissue is injured. Blood collects under the skin's outer layers, resulting in discoloration, pain and swelling, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Bruising is a common result of contact with hard objects, such as tables, chair legs and walls. However, excessive bruising may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or another underlying condition. Balch and some medical researchers believe that vitamins may help reduce the occurrence of bruising and speed healing.

Vitamin therapy is not meant to replace traditional medical treatment. Contact your physician before using vitamin supplements to help prevent bruising.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin found in oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as watermelon, potatoes, cranberries, winter squash and strawberries. It is also available in supplement form as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is best known for helping to prevent the common cold, but it is also used to treat high blood pressure, prevent cancer and reduce the effects of macular degeneration, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to Balch, vitamin C may also help prevent bruising by increasing the oxygen supply to the skin cells and by strengthening the walls of the capillaries in the skin.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in the body's liver and fat tissues, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This vitamin is naturally produced by bacteria in the liver. However, it is also available in supplement form, as well as in dark green vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli. Vitamin K helps improve blood clotting and reduces excessive bleeding. According to Balch, the coagulant properties of vitamin K may help prevent the buildup of blood in the skin tissue that causes bruising.

Vitamin D

The human body produces and stores fat-soluble vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin is also found in dairy products and other vitamin-fortified foods, as well as in supplements. Vitamin D helps enhance the immune system, and its antioxidant properties may help prevent certain types of cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. When combined with calcium, this vitamin helps build and maintain strong bones. According to Balch, vitamin D also protects the skin tissues and plays a role in blood cell formation in the skin tissues, which may help prevent bruising.