Vitamins That Help With Flexibility

Lack of flexibility can be caused by several different factors, including arthritis, injury and surgery. In some cases, arthritis can complicate an injury and make joints and muscles inflexible. Physical therapy and prescription medications are often necessary to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. Some doctors and alternative medicine practitioners believe that vitamins can augment other methods for correcting flexibility problems. Vitamin therapy is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Consult a physician before using vitamins to improve joint flexibility.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is found in blueberries, strawberries and citrus fruits. According to Dr. Nathan Wei, certified rheumatologist and author of the Arthritis Treatment and Relief website, vitamin C may help slow down wear and tear on the joints, helping them stay flexible. This vitamin may also help arthritis sufferers prevent joint strains. Dr. Wei recommends 120mg per day, the equivalent of two oranges, for maintaining joint flexibility.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex contains several important vitamins, including vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. According to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," vitamin B complex offers several benefits for people with limited flexibility, particularly when joint and muscle stiffness is caused by arthritis. These vitamins work together to dilate arteries and veins, increasing blood flow to the muscles, ligaments and tendons. These vitamins reduce swelling in muscle tissue. They also stimulate the production of myetin, a coating that protects nerve endings and reduces joint pain. Dr. Balch recommends a daily B complex supplement that contains at least 50mg of B vitamins. People with gout, liver problems or hypertension should avoid B complex supplements because these vitamins may aggravate these conditions.

Vitmain E

According to Dr. Balch, vitamin E is another important vitamin for joint flexibility. This vitamin, found in eggs, wheat germ, liver and sweet potatoes, is thought to be a powerful antioxidant that prevents the joints from becoming damages by free radicals. Vitamin E is also thought to promote joint mobility by strengthening the ligaments and tendons. This vitamin may interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants, aspirin and high blood pressure medications, so check with your doctor before increasing your vitamin E intake.