Numerous supplements may help treat or prevent peripheral artery disease. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease, occurs when plaque -- a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissue -- accumulates along the inner walls of the arteries that transport blood to your head, organs and limbs. Certain dietary supplements may help treat peripheral artery disease and decrease your likelihood of serious health complications.
Inositol Hexaniacinate
Inositol hexaniacinate may be a helpful supplement for peripheral artery disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, vitamin B-3 is one of eight B-vitamins. Vitamin B-3 is also called niacin, or nicotinic acid, and it has two other forms: niacinamide or nicotinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate. The UMMC states that niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate have different effects on your body than niacin. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, a naturopathic physician and author of the textbook "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine" states that inositol hexaniacinate, in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce your total cholesterol. High levels of total cholesterol is believed to contribute to atherosclerosis, or the clogging and hardening of your blood vessels. Before taking inositol hexaniacinate to treat your peripheral artery disease, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Garlic
Garlic may be a helpful dietary supplement for peripheral artery disease. According to Pizzorno, garlic increases your microcirculation, decreases your plasma velocity and inhibits platelet aggregation, or makes your platelets less sticky. Platelets are small, disc-shaped particles in your blood that play an important role in blood clot formation. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health, or BCNH, states that aged garlic slows the progression of arterial hardening, or atherosclerosis, which is a known trigger for heart attacks. According to the BCNH, aged garlic extract is made by chopping up garlic cloves and placing them in alcohol for a period of up to two years. The long fermentation process allows garlic's sulfur-containing compounds to break down into numerous non-odorous compounds. Before using garlic extract to treat your peripheral artery disease or improve your arterial health, consult with your physician for possible side effects and interactions with your other medications.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 may help treat or prevent peripheral artery disease. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three principle forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B-6 performs numerous functions in your body that are important for maintaining optimal health. Pizzorno states that vitamin B-6 is important for keeping your arteries healthy and treating peripheral artery disease. Vitamin B-6, along with antioxidant nutrients and flavonoids, helps inhibit platelet aggregation or blood clotting, lowers your blood pressure and decreases the amount of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid in your blood that is monitored to evaluate your risk for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B-6 also lowers your levels of total plasma lipids and cholesterol. Before taking vitamin B-6 for your peripheral artery disease, consult with your physician for possible side effects and proper dosage.
