Arteries are the blood vessels that pump blood away from your heart. If your arteries are blocked, blood can't circulate through your body the way it should, and you can end up deficient in essential nutrients, such as oxygen. A blockage in your artery can be thought of as a state of lowered elasticity, and can heighten your risk of heart attack and stroke. Taking vitamin supplements can improve your blood vessel health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that carries many health benefits, among them blood vessel health. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen, a protein that support your skin, but also is a part of the structure of blood vessels. Vitamin C can prevent the buildup of plaque in your arteries, according to Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Martha Grogan. Plaque makes these throughways for your blood narrow and less elastic. A long list of fresh fruits and vegetables contain high concentrations of vitamin C, including citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, carrots, baked potato, mushrooms and avocado. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, adults should consume between 75 and 120 mg of vitamin C per day.
Vitamin D
The Mayo Clinic believes that vitamin D may also contribute to blood vessel health and could be a beneficial supplement to ensure continued elasticity of your arteries and veins. Vitamin D is not available in as many foods as other antioxidant vitamins. Milk is usually fortified with vitamin D; certain brands of orange juice may also contain supplemented levels of calcium and vitamin D. Canned fish such as sardines and salmon are also rich in the nutrient. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends 5 mcg of vitamin D daily to ensure good health for all age ranges up to 50 years old. Older adults should try to consume 10 mcg each day.
Vitamin E
Studies performed by Hungary's Semmelweis University and reported in a June 2004 issue of Autonomic Neuroscience show that high levels of the antioxidant vitamin E can increase the elasticity of arteries. Test subjects were given 700 international units of vitamin E for a month. After the vitamin E therapy was completed, carotid artery elasticity improved by 20 percent, but failed to remain at the improved level after vitamin E was discontinued.
Food sources of vitamin E, which may keep your blood vessels healthy, include Swiss chard and other dark leafy greens, sunflower seeds, papaya, blueberries and almonds, according to The World's Healthiest Foods.
Coenzyme Q10
Though not strictly classified as a vitamin, the dietary supplement coenzyme Q10 might also contribute to elasticity of the arteries and boost vein health. The Linus Pauling Institute explains that the compound can help blood vessels dilate, which can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke.
