The best dietary supplements for varicose veins

The development of varicose veins is a very common health problem affecting nearly 40 per cent of the population, particularly women. Although the main factors that can lead a person to develop this condition are hereditary, there are various other causes, including: genetics (family history), daily activities or tasks that require standing for several hours at a time, being overweight, and advancing age. Pregnancy is also one of the most common causes of varicose veins; in most cases, around 12 months after giving birth, the condition has already improved for a large number of women.

At first glance, varicose veins appear as swollen, protruding veins, purple or blue in colour, with a twisted, snaking appearance: these are in fact abnormal dilations of the veins which are not merely a cosmetic issue, but a genuine medical condition that, as such, must be treated and managed.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

The most common symptom relates to the appearance of the veins, which may take on a purple, dark purple or blue colour. The cosmetic appearance is not the only sign of varicose veins; among the most common symptoms are localised itching in the affected area, unpleasant sensations such as swelling of the feet and legs, a feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs, a burning sensation and night-time cramps. Pain is also quite common and can intensify during periods of inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle, or when standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Unlike arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the extremities, the function of veins is to return blood from the extremities to the heart.

Veins contain small valves whose function is to allow blood to flow in one direction only, preventing it from flowing backwards. The malfunctioning of these valves, caused by a loss of tone and elasticity in the vein walls, leads to the development of varicose veins. 

As the valves lose their functionality, the veins dilate due to poor blood flow and a tendency for blood to pool. 

In almost all cases, varicose veins affect the lower limbs and feet: this is a genuine disorder of the circulatory system. To be precise, varicose veins can be defined as a symptom or sign of venous insufficiency; they are therefore a condition that should not be underestimated and must be treated with the appropriate precautions and care, by consulting your GP or a specialist.

If you suffer from varicose veins, the first thing to do is to consult your GP so that you can begin treating this problem in the best possible way. Tests such as duplex ultrasound or colour Doppler ultrasound can help provide an accurate diagnosis of venous and arterial circulation and the health of the capillaries. Making changes to your lifestyle and habits, where necessary, or using dietary supplements and nutraceuticals can also make a significant contribution to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and to your health and well-being.

How do dietary supplements help to alleviate varicose veins?

The toning effect of natural extracts relieves symptoms such as heaviness and swelling, and prevents the formation of new varicose veins and the rupture of capillaries.

Nutraceutical supplements specifically designed to support vascular function, microcirculation and varicose veins improve microcirculation, combat the fragility of small blood vessels and prevent them from rupturing, strengthen blood vessel walls, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and prevent vascular and capillary fragility. 

Dietary supplements for varicose veins form part of the wider family of dietary supplements for the heart and circulation. Made from nutraceutical ingredients, they have a vasoprotective effect, improve venous tone and promote the return of blood from the peripheral areas to the heart, thereby preventing or alleviating adverse conditions such as blood stagnation in the blood vessels.

Best dietary supplements for varicose veins

Here is a list of the best dietary supplements for varicose veins – a selection of products designed to support the wellbeing and proper functioning of the microcirculation and the cardiovascular system, capable of improving blood pressure and vascular dilation, thereby enhancing blood flow. These products are suitable for use by people leading a normal lifestyle as well as by active individuals, sports enthusiasts and professional athletes.

TN Pharma Microcircolo

Pain and a feeling of swelling in the legs, feet and ankles are common problems, particularly among women. The main cause of these problems is impaired microcirculation, that is, the network of small blood vessels, capillaries, superficial veins and arterioles that support the main circulatory system. 

Microcircolo by TN Pharma is a dietary supplement in capsule form, formulated with high-quality, patented natural extracts, flavonoids and vitamin C: it helps improve microcirculation, relieves symptoms such as pain and swelling in the lower limbs, and supports the peripheral circulatory and lymphatic systems.

The effectiveness of this vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free dietary supplement is guaranteed by the presence of patented substances, which we will examine in detail:

• Cactinea™: a prickly pear extract with high antioxidant properties that increases the concentration of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme responsible for neutralising free radicals. It has draining properties and significantly reduces swelling in the feet, ankles and calves.
• Mirtoselect®: a cranberry extract, rich in anthocyanins, which improves oxygen and blood supply to the organs and combats free radicals, thereby promoting vascular health.
• Lymphaselect®: a dry extract of melilot, rich in coumarin, which is particularly effective in the treatment of venous insufficiency. 
• Vitamin C: known for its antioxidant properties, which protect cells against the action of free radicals; among other benefits, it stimulates collagen production and supports the healthy functioning of blood vessels.
• Diosmin and hesperidin: plant-derived compounds that support the healthy functioning of blood vessels, counteract the effects of free radicals and possess significant anti-inflammatory properties. They have a beneficial effect on capillaries by making them more elastic and less rigid, promoting better nutrient exchange and improved drainage of extracellular fluids, thereby reducing swelling in the legs.

Tn Naturals Bergamotto

Bergamotto by Tn Naturals is a food supplement containing bergamot extract and coenzyme Q10. This product combines the antioxidant action of its ingredients with benefits for cardiovascular health and function, thanks to its ability to combat and reduce levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol.

TN Naturals Bergamotto is ideal for people who are gluten- or lactose-intolerant and for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it is certified VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE and LACTOSE-FREE.

• Thanks to its high flavonoid content, bergamot extract provides antioxidant protection and helps to reduce levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol whilst increasing ‘good’ cholesterol and supporting cardiovascular health.
• Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant molecule that protects the body against oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals. Its action, combined with that of bergamot extract, helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Tn Pharma Cardio-fort

The health of the heart and the entire cardiovascular system is essential for everyone. Reducing risk factors is a necessary first step towards cardiovascular health: giving up smoking, losing weight, following a healthy diet and taking regular exercise are simple but very important measures.

Cardio-fort by Tn Pharma is a dietary supplement made from natural extracts that support the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Let’s take a look at the patented ingredients that make this supplement’s formula unique:

• Cordiart®: a patented natural extract of rutinoside derived from fruit, which helps maintain arterial flexibility, lower blood pressure and reduce the build-up of cholesterol in veins and arteries.
• Leucoselect® Phytosome®: a patented extract derived from the seeds of Vitis vinifera L. and combined with sunflower lecithin which, thanks to its high concentration of oligomeric proanthocyanidins, offers incredible antioxidant power that helps protect the cardiovascular system.
• Hawthorn: an extract rich in flavonoids, known for its action against free radicals, which helps prevent potential cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
• Berberine: a plant extract that stands out from the other ingredients due to its indirect effect on cardiovascular health, as it helps to regulate cholesterol levels, blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Tn Pharma Argi-fort

The health and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system are important for everyone, but athletes in particular need to monitor their blood pressure and vasodilation.

Argi-fort by Tn Pharma is a liquid food supplement based on patented Kyowa Quality® L-arginine. Among its many benefits, arginine plays a very important role in maintaining optimal blood pressure.

Indeed, arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.

Nitrox Pure Professional

Nitric oxide is a molecule produced by the body that plays an important role in regulating neurotransmission, blood vessel function and platelet aggregation. 

Thanks to its specific formulation based on cutting-edge, patented ingredients, Nitrox Pure Professional by Tsunami Nutrition stimulates the body’s own production of nitric oxide. By promoting increased blood flow to the muscles, it is particularly recommended for sportspeople and athletes who wish to improve the quality of their training sessions, their performance and their post-exercise recovery.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make up the innovative NOS7 formula, a vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free supplement:

• Kre-Alkalyn®: ‘buffered creatine’, is a patented formula comprising creatine monohydrate and an added substance (sodium bicarbonate) capable of raising the compound’s pH. More stable than conventional creatine, Kre-Alkalyn® offers better absorption of creatine into muscle cells, with the following benefits: Increased muscle mass gain. Increased strength and improved athletic performance. Increased muscular endurance. Reduced time required for muscle recovery after a workout.
• Actiful™: an entirely natural compound derived from citrus fruits and pomegranate, designed to stimulate blood circulation and improve both short- and long-term energy systems, thereby increasing vitality and activity levels. The efficacy of ACTIFUL™ has been tested in clinical studies, and the compound has demonstrated several benefits: Increased anaerobic power. Increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue. Increased levels of nitric oxide, due to the pomegranate extract, with improved blood circulation and antioxidant action.
• ViNitrox™: This is an extract of apple and red grape capable of increasing nitric oxide levels in the body. ViNitrox™ has been shown to possess antioxidant properties and to benefit circulation, muscle strength and physical endurance during intense training.
• Beet4Perf™: a red beetroot juice extract rich in potassium, nitrates, betaine, betalain, BCAAs and polyphenols. The presence of natural nitrates enables this compound to improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
• S7™: a blend of seven entirely plant-based ingredients (green coffee, green tea, turmeric, cherries, blueberries, broccoli and cabbage) which increases nitric oxide (NO) levels in the body by 230 per cent, thereby optimising the modulation of nerve and neuromuscular transmission, improving immune defences and stimulating mitochondriogenesis.

The NOS7 Pure PROFESSIONAL formula is complemented by concentrated extracts of rhodiola and ginseng, which have a tonic effect that can help alleviate physical and mental fatigue, and by concentrated extracts of bacopa and ginkgo biloba, which support cognitive focus and memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are found in dietary supplements for varicose veins?

Many dietary supplements for varicose veins are formulated using natural extracts, harnessing their numerous important beneficial properties. Thanks to their characteristics, these ingredients possess vasoprotective properties that have a positive effect on the venous system and support the health of microcirculation, venous circulation, the legs, ankles and feet – areas particularly affected by these circulatory problems.

Can dietary supplements for varicose veins treat venous insufficiency?

Dietary supplements for varicose veins work by improving the tone and elasticity of blood vessels; they can help improve venous circulation and relieve the sensation of heaviness and tiredness in the legs. Venous insufficiency is a condition that impedes the return of blood from the peripheral areas to the heart. It is a chronic, symptomatic disorder that can cause significant discomfort to the person affected. 

What are the possible side effects of dietary supplements for varicose veins?

Dietary supplements made from natural extracts designed to improve venous tone and blood circulation have, in almost all cases, no side effects in those who take them. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to exercise caution and seek medical advice before taking nutraceutical dietary supplements, as well as before taking them alongside medicines or other substances.

What are the general recommendations for using dietary supplements to treat varicose veins?

Dietary supplements made from natural substances can be taken with confidence after consulting your GP, even though they are not medicines.