Spider veins are red or blue blood vessels on the surface of your skin that resemble spider webs. They usually develop on your legs, thighs and face, but they can occur on any part of your body. Spider veins arise when you veins stop functioning and inflame. The exact cause varies, but sitting or standing for prolonged amounts of time, pregnancy, genetics and hormonal changes may contribute to their development. A variety of vitamins can improve blood flow to your veins, strengthen weak veins and reduce the appearance of spider veins.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that improves immune system function, increases blood circulation to your veins, supports cellular growth and repairs damaged veins. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B-6 is 1.3 mg to 1.7 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin B-6 include lean red meat, turkey, halibut, peanut butter, chick peas, sunflower seeds, spinach and bananas.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from damaging free radicals, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake explains that vitamin C increases blood flow to your veins, aids in the healing process and repairs damaged veins. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. Foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, tomatoes, papaya, mangoes, bell peppers, strawberries, cranberries, oranges, grapefruits, spinach and kiwi.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that boosts immune system function, transports oxygen to your veins, improves blood circulation, accelerates the healing process, decreases inflammation in your body and reduces the appearance of spider veins, notes Carolyn Dean, author of the book "Dr. Carolyn Dean's Natural Prescriptions for Common Ailments." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin E is 15 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, sunflower seeds, ready-to-eat cereals, spinach, soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, asparagus and pine nuts.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that strengthens capillary walls, aids in blood clot formation, prevents permanent blood vessel damage and minimizes the appearance of spider veins, according to Michael Zimmerman, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin K is 90 mcg to 120 mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin K include olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, broccoli, parsley, watercress, spinach and mayonnaise.
References
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2001
- "Varicose Veins and Spider Veins: Myths and Realities"; Robert A. Mussen, M.D.; 2001
- "Vitamins for Dummies"; Christopher Hobbs and Elson Haas; 1999
- "Dr. Carolyn Dean's Natural Prescriptions for Common Ailments"; Carolyn Dean, M.D.; 2001
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
