The Best Venous Insufficiency Supplements for Better Circulation
Struggling with leg swelling, varicose veins, or poor circulation? Venous insufficiency can lead to discomfort and long-term health risks. While exercise and compression therapy are key, many turn to flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids to support vein health. This article explores the best supplements, their benefits, and safety considerations.
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| The Best Venous Insufficiency Supplements for Better Circulation |
What Supplements Can Help with Venous Insufficiency?
Flavonoids for Venous Insufficiency
Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds found in many plants. They give fruits and flowers their red, blue, or brown hues.
Studies on medications containing flavonoids have suggested that they may slightly protect and dilate blood vessels while also thinning the blood.
Many supplements and medications for venous insufficiency use flavonoids derived from plants like citrus fruits, horse chestnut, butcher’s broom, maritime pine, and grapevine.
Common flavonoids include OPCs (oligoproanthocyanidins), hesperidin, diosmin, troxerutin (a synthetic derivative), and resveratrol.
However, the effectiveness of these substances has been questioned. Since 2012, the European health authorities have prohibited supplements with flavonoids from making claims about supporting heart and vascular health due to insufficient evidence.
Similarly, supplements containing catechins, OPCs, rutin, or diosmin cannot claim to aid blood circulation or prevent chronic venous insufficiency.
Specifically:
Supplements with grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) cannot claim to improve blood circulation, reduce leg swelling, or drain water retention.
Products containing diosmin, troxerutin, or hesperidin cannot claim to maintain vein tone or capillary permeability.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Venous Insufficiency
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has anticoagulant properties that may help prevent blood clots.
Some supplements marketed for venous insufficiency include fish oil as a potential remedy.
Are Supplements for Venous Insufficiency Safe?
Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or preparing for surgery should avoid supplements or medications for venous insufficiency due to their potential blood-thinning effects.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before using such products.
Conclusion
Supporting vein health requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and possibly supplements.
While flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids may offer benefits, their effectiveness is still debated.
Before taking any supplement, consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Stay informed and choose the best approach for your circulatory health.
Medical Sources
Olszewska & Michel (2020). "Flavonoids and venous insufficiency." Phytomedicine, 68, 153172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153172
MartÃnez-Zapata et al. (2016). "Diosmin for venous insufficiency." Cochrane Review, (4), CD002303. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002303.pub2
Balk et al. (2017). "Omega-3 and cardiovascular health." JAMA, 317(23), 2441–2451. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.6600
EFSA (2012). "Flavonoids and vascular health claims." EFSA Journal, 10(5), 2694. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2694
