Varicose veins are a common disorder, affecting up to 60 percent of Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. They just don't look very attractive but usually cause no other problems. Varicose veins can be very painful; sometimes phlebitis, or inflammation of a vein, can occur, causing further complications. Treatments include injections into the vein to shut it down, laser surgery and removing the vein entirely through small incisions. Vitamins can help prevent new veins or existing veins from getting worse.
Vitamin C
To keep your veins in good condition, UMMC recommends taking 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C three times daily. According to RealAge.com, vitamin C helps keep arteries healthy and prevents fatty plaque deposits from building up on the walls of your blood vessels. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, you can easily get adequate vitamin C from eating foods such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, watermelon, potatoes, spinach, kale, red bell peppers and tomatoes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, promotes vein health. UMMC recommends taking 400 IU per day. Because vitamin E is fat soluble, if you take it in supplement form, you should take it with a meal containing some fat. You can get your vitamin E naturally by eating sunflower seeds, avocados, nuts, whole grains, spinach, wheat germ and nuts.
Rutin
Rutin is a bioflavonoid that strengthens blood vessel walls and improves their function. Studies suggest that rutin might help relieve varicose pain and swelling, according to UMMC. The recommended daily dose is 500 mg twice a day. Buckwheat is the best food source of rutin.
