Ligaments are strong, elastic tissues that connect your bones and cartilage at their joints, according to Dr. Keith Bridwell, contributor to the Spine Universe website. They stabilize joints and protect your bones. The ligaments that connect your vertebrae also protect your spinal cord against injury. However, arthritis, sports injuries and viral infections can damage and weaken your ligaments. Certain vitamins may help strengthen ligaments and prevent damage. Consult your doctor before increasing your vitamin intake to prevent or repair ligament damage.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb and metabolize proteins, which are necessary for repairing ligament damage, according to the Herbs 2000 website. This vitamin is also an immune system enhancer, and may help ward off viral infections that can attack ligament cells. Vitamin A offers antioxidant benefits, depriving free radicals of the oxygen they need to attack connective tissues. Get natural vitamin A from eggs, beef, liver and dairy products. Your body also manufactures vitamin A from beta-carotene, which is found in kale, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may help reduce inflammation of your ligaments, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This may help alleviate pain and stiffness associated with ligament damage. Like vitamin A, vitamin C is an antioxidant. It also stimulates the production of healthy cells for connective tissue repair. Increase your intake of vitamin C by adding spinach, radishes, lemons, blackberries, alfalfa, tomatoes, broccoli and oranges to your diet.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a circulatory system enhancer, according to Balch. Improved blood flow to your ligaments may enhance delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular repair. Vitamin E may also enhance your body's ability to use other vitamins, particularly vitamin A. The antioxidant properties of this vitamin may protect your ligaments against toxic damage. Get vitamin E from food sources such as oatmeal, cheese, milk, whole-wheat bread, olive oil and watercress.
References
- Spine Universe: Ligaments
- Herbs 2000: Sprains and Strains
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin A (Retinol)
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healiing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
