Coagulation Factors  Article Reprint

Original Article: http://www.coagulation-factors.com/articles/blood-clotting-treatment/vitamin-supplements.php

 

Vitamin Supplements and Blood Clotting

Research suggests that some vitamin supplements can help people who are at risk for developing blood clots. By adding these supplements to your daily diet, you can theoretically decrease your chances of getting a blood clot and keep your circulation system healthy.
 
It is important to note, however, that living a healthy lifestyle in addition to taking vitamin supplements is a much better way to prevent cardiovascular disease that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. By eating a heart-healthy diet, you'll consume many of the nutrients that help your body fight blood clots. Staying active will help your body absorb vitamins and supplements.
 
Before adding any supplements to your diet, discuss them with your doctor.
 
Blood Clots Explained 
A blood clot is a thrombosis in a vein or artery, or a gathering or mass of blood particles. Most blood clots are normal. Without them, you would bleed uncontrollably with every injury.However, if a blood clot develops in a vein or artery, it can block the oxygen that is normally delivered to the area. Blood clots that develop in the heart or lungs can cause heart attacks, while blood clots that are in the brain can cause strokes.Blood clots can also develop in the legs and travel to the lungs, heart or brain, causing damage that is sometimes life threatening.

Vitamin E

Some studies done by the American Heart Association suggest that women who take vitamin E supplements can decrease their chances of experiencing blood clots. However, this does not mean that the addition of vitamin E to your diet will magically decrease your chances of getting a blood clot. To see the benefits of vitamin E, you should also follow an active and healthy lifestyle.
 
To add vitamin E to your diet, try consuming servings of the following:
  • almonds
  • bell peppers
  • blueberries
  • tomatoes
  • olives
  • sunflower seeds.
It is important to note that taking too much vitamin E can inhibit the absorption of iron in your body. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin E you should add to your diet.
 
Vitamin K 
While vitamin E might help prevent blood clots, for those people taking warfarin, consuming foods rich in vitamin K can increase the risk of blood clots. The best way for people on warfarin therapy to avoid consuming too much vitamin K is to reduce their intake of the following foods:
  • broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • cabbage
  • coriander
  • green, leafy vegetables
  • liver
  • spinach
  • Swiss Chard.
The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin K is 65 micrograms for women and 80 micrograms for men.

Preventing Blood Clots: Other Supplements

Other vitamin supplements and some herbal remedies are thought to help improve the circulation system, which lowers the possibility of blood clots. Some of these are:
  • calcium
  • evening primrose oil
  • fish oils
  • lecithin
  • L-lysine
  • vitamins B12, B6 and C
  • witch hazel, applied as a topical solution.
Look for these supplements at your local nutrition store.

Supplements: Things to Keep in Mind

While vitamin supplements may be helpful to some people, it is important to remember that you should discuss all medications and supplements, whether herbal, vitamin or mineral, with your doctor before deciding to take them.
 
People who are at risk for developing blood clots should not try to treat themselves with a vitamin regimen, nor should they stop taking any prescribed anticoagulant medications without first talking to their doctors.
 
Resources
 
Herbs2000 (n.d.). Thrombosis and Embolism. Retrieved September 24, 2007, from the Herbs2000 Web site: http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/thrombosis_
embolism.htm.
 
National Standard (n.d.). Vitamin K for Patients with Blood Clots. Retrieved September 24, 2007, from the Natural Standard Web site: http://blog.naturalstandard.com/natural
_standard_blog/2007/04/vitamin_k_for_p.html.
 
U.S. National Library of Medicine (n.d.). Vitamin E may reduce blood clots in women. Retrieved September 24, 2007, from the Medline Plus Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
news/fullstory_54635.html.