At some point in time, you have probably experienced a bruise. Sports, exercise or simply bumping into something can create bruises on your body. Bruises are rarely cause for concern and rarely require that you seek medical attention. Bruises can also be the result of a lack of collagen in your skin or fragile blood vessels. Vitamin deficiencies have often been linked to bruising.
Bruises
Bruises form when blood vessels near the surface of your skin are blown, according to MayoClinic.com. Small amounts of blood leak into your skin's tissues. This blood that becomes trapped in your tissues creates a black and blue mark. Bruises normally heal on their own, but there are actions you can take to help heal your bruise. Consider elevating the injured area, applying ice to the area, taking an over-the-counter pain medication and resting. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding -- bruising that occurs without a cause. If you experience bruising along with abnormal bleeding, contact your doctor as well.
B Vitamin Deficiences
Vitamin B-9 and B-12 deficiencies can lead to bruising. A lack of vitamin B-9 and B-12 can cause elevated levels off homocysteine in your blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine can damage your blood vessel walls and make them difficult to repair, according to "The Vitamin Book." When your blood vessel walls are damaged, there is an increased risk of blood seeping into your tissues. As a result, you are likely to experience increased bruising with a lack of vitamin B-9 and B-12. These vitamins can be taken as supplements or found in many of the foods you eat, including whole grains, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy products, beans, vegetables, fish and peas.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Widely known as an antioxidant that helps in the production of collagen as well as boosting the immune system, a lack of vitamin C can lead to bruising, according to "The Vitamin Book." Collagen is essential to build and repair connective tissues throughout your body-- including the walls off your blood vessels. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can help to reduce degeneration of your tissues and blood vessels. Vitamin C deficiencies are also associated with joint pain and an increased risk of bleeding. Vitamin C can be found in a variety of the foods you consume, including citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, sweet red peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe and tomatoes.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K helps your blood to coagulate -- or clot. Vitamin K is essential in healing from an injury, according to "The Vitamin Book." A vitamin K deficiency can lead to uncontrolled bleeding and large bruises if your capillaries are weak or damaged and your body is unable to control bleeding below the surface of your skin. Vitamin K deficiencies are also associated with increased blood clotting times, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual cycles, and blood in your urine or stool. Vitamin K can be found in a number of foods, including broccoli, dairy products, soybeans and leafy green vegetables.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Bruise
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