A bruise is a dark purple or blue spot on the skin that is typically the result of falling or bumping or banging into something. This ruptures small blood vessels under the skin and blood leaks into your tissues and produces the coloration. There are certain vitamins you can take to prevent or minimize bruising. Vitamins C, E and K and the mineral zinc may help speed up the healing process of bruises and help prevent future bruising.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found in abundance in citrus fruits or as a vitamin supplement. Vitamin C works to promote wound healing and minimize bruising by reducing inflammation and building up your immune system. In addition, vitamin C is used to manufacture collagen. Collagen is a protein that holds blood vessels and connective tissue together.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for preventing or minimizing bruising because it is involved in the blood clotting process and strengthens the walls surrounding the blood vessels. The longer it takes for your blood to clot, the larger and darker the bruise will appear. Take 2 mg of Vitamin K daily for two weeks for an acute bruise, recommends James Blanch, M.D. Vitamin K is contraindicated if you are on blood-thinning medications.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a role in blood-vessel function and repair. Topical vitamin E may help promote healing of bruises by increasing the levels of antioxidants in the body. Topical vitamin E can penetrate through your skin's surface to aid in the healing of the bruise beneath, according to Dr. Maret Traber, Professor of Nutrition and Research Scientist from the Linus Pauling Institute.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps prevent and dissolve bruises by assisting in the development of healthy tissue and skin. Zinc is essential to wound healing. Topical application of zinc can protect against toxins in an open wound. Good dietary sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, fortified breakfast cereals, whole grains, beans, and nuts. As with starting any new treatment, consult your doctor before adding zinc supplements to your diet. Zinc supplements may interfere with the absorption of other important minerals, especially copper.
References
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Easy Bruising; 2011
- "Prescription for Natural Cures;" James Balch et al.; 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute; All About E; Maret G. Traber; 2004
