Whether it's menstrual cramps or muscle cramps, the condition is painful and can leave patients immobile. Cramps can be controlled with several vitamins, specifically vitamin C, niacin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help control the spasms and cellular reactions of the muscles, relaxing them and alleviating the condition. Some vitamins have secondary benefits for patients with other conditions as well.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble supplement essential for several cellular reactions. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it circulates in the body and removes free radicals that can cause harm to cellular DNA. This vitamin is also essential for immune health. Vitamin C deficiencies can cause muscle cramping, including the pain of menstrual cramps. Taking vitamin C supplements may help improve blood flow to the muscles and relieve pain from menstrual cramps. The vitamin can be found in supplements and in foods such as fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is also found in the liver, so diets that include liver consumption also improve vitamin C intake.
Niacin
Niacin is one of the B vitamins, called B3. Niacin's name is derived from its pharmaceutical name "nicotinic acid." (To avoid the public's misconception that cigarettes contained vitamins, the term "niacin" was given to the nutrient as a short term derived from its chemical name.) Niacin is a vasodilator, so it helps improve blood flow to tissue and relieves the constriction of blood vessels in the uterus. Niacin is used as a natural treatment as an anti-inflammatory supplement, meaning it also helps alleviate the pain from menstrual cramping. Niacin is prevalent in a variety of foods, including beef and chicken products. It's also available in nuts, fish and legumes.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid is another B vitamin. Vitamin B5 is essential in the biochemical processes for metabolism of such things as carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B5 plays an essential role in the formation of coenzyme A, which is essential for metabolism. Vitamin B5 also plays an important role in controlling muscular contractions, which is a part of the pain felt by women during their menstrual periods. Vitamin B5 is found in vegetables, rice, peanuts and yeast products.
