Nutritional Vitamins & Health Supplements for Poor Circulation

Flavonoids promote venous strength and integrity. Most trials of flavonoids in patients with CVI have used a type of flavonoid called hydroxyethylrutoside (HR), which is derived from rutin. These double-blind and other controlled trials have consistently shown a beneficial effect of HR in clearing leg swelling and other signs of CVI. Positive results from a double-blind trial have been obtained using 500 mg of HR taken twice per day for 12 weeks. In this trial, the preparation was found to add further benefit to that provided by compression stockings commonly used to treat CVI. Similar results were obtained in another controlled trial. It is unclear whether other flavonoids are as effective as HR for CVI. HR has also been used successfully as a topical preparation for the treatment of CVI.

Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, grape skin, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants, have also been shown to strengthen capillaries in double-blind research using as little as two 50 mg tablets per day. In a double-blind trial using a total of 150 mg OPCs per day, French researchers reported reduced symptoms for women with CVI. In another French double-blind trial, supplementation with 100 mg taken three times per day resulted in benefits within four weeks.