Do Supplements Prevent Spider Veins?

Spider veins are a common annoyance that many people will go to great lengths to hide. As summer approaches and shorts and bathing suits make their way out of the closet, you may be wondering if there is anything extra you can do to hide this troublesome issue.

There are a number of medical treatment options for spider veins, and in addition to these options, there are a number of home remedies and supplements that can help with spider veins—but do they really work?

Age, pregnancy, injury, sun damage, fluctuating hormones, and genetics are common causes of spider veins. They typically appear as small red or blue lines on the face or legs. Pregnancy-related spider veins may also occur on the chest, neck, and arms. Located close to the skin’s surface, spider veins often resemble a spider web and many people find their appearance to be embarrassing. While some spider veins may cause mild pain or discomfort, most are simply cosmetic issues.

A scoop of white supplement powder describes an article about a debate surrounding whether supplements can prevent spider veins.
A scoop of white supplement powder describes an article about a debate surrounding whether supplements can prevent spider veins.

Certain supplements have been suggested to fight spider veins, but none have been shown to provide support comparable to medical vein treatment. According to one report, patients who used topical creams with vitamin K experienced faster healing after spider vein laser removal. Vitamin K topical products claim to promote blood clotting, which reduces blood flow into the veins. More research is needed to support this claim. Vitamin K dietary supplements may be a better solution, as the nutrient deficiency is linked to bleeding problems and diabetes.

Currently, sclerotherapy appears to be the best treatment option for varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to scar and collapse. This re-routes the blood through healthier veins, while the collapsed vein fades over time.

Laser removal also works but is most effective after several treatments. People should only take vitamin K supplements if their doctor suggests it. High doses may trigger upset stomach and allergic reactions. Vitamin C supplements may also help, as the nutrient strengthens vein elasticity. Fortunately, many spider veins fade without treatment, especially those related to pregnancy.

Dr. Jason Gold, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Jason Gold, DPM, FACFAS, is a podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL, and Boynton Beach, FL. He has over 20 years of experience and specializes in foot and ankle conditions like bunions, fat pad atrophy, and sports medicine. Dr. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and he earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. He's one of only 10 board-certified Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgeons in Palm Beach County. Dr. Gold has been featured in highly authoritative publications like HuffPost, PureWow, and Yahoo!

Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus , DPM - Podiatrist in Boca Raton, FL

Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus DPM, RPhs, FACFAS

Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS, is a podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL, and Boynton Beach, FL. She has over 20 years of experience and specializes in foot, ankle, and leg vein conditions like spider and varicose veins and sclerotherapy. Dr. Jodi holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, and she earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Schoenhaus has performed FDA-approved research and has been published in the National Library of Medicine and PubMed. Dr. Jodi has been featured in highly authoritative publications like Cosmopolitan, Lifehacker, Parade, New York Post, and Yahoo!, among others.