Varicose veins are a common vascular problem that can cause pain and result in cosmetic blemishes. Some research has found that vitamin K, a vitamin normally associated with blood clotting, may play a role in preventing varicose veins. However, no research has been done on humans to establish that vitamin K can treat or even prevent varicose veins.
Varicose Veins
Your veins contain valves that keep the blood moving towards your heart. With varicose veins, these valves stop working properly, which causes blood to accumulate in the affected portions of the veins. This causes the veins to swell and become visible. Varicose veins are fairly common, particularly in women, and typically occur in the legs. Varicose veins may be visible through the skin and may also be painful and cause skin discoloration.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is primarily found in green leafy vegetables and certain vegetable oils, such as canola and soybean oil. Vitamin K is needed for the activity of an enzyme that is critical for controlling blood clotting. One commonly used anticoagulant, warfarin, works be inhibiting the action of vitamin K in order to prevent blood clots from forming.
Vitamin K and Varicose Veins
There is limited evidence that vitamin K can have any role in treating or preventing varicose veins. A study published in a 2007 issue of "The Journal of Vascular Research" found that changes in a protein known as MGP was associated with varicose veins. Vitamin K is involved in reversing this chemical change, and this study found that applying vitamin K to cell cultures could alter some of the chemical signals that are associated with varicose veins.
Considerations
Although vitamin K may play a role in the prevention or treatment of varicose veins, there are no studies that have examined the effects of vitamin K in humans in terms of varicose vein formation. Taking vitamin K can alter the way your blood clots, particularly if you are taking warfarin, so talk to your doctor before you take any vitamin K supplements. If you have varicose veins, a doctor can also suggest other more proven treatment options.
