Varicose veins: Two vitamin deficiencies that could affect blood clotting

Varicose veins or varicosities affect the veins in the leg, leading to twisted, enlarged veins. They occur due to the improper functioning of the veins and are characterized by swollen, bluish-purple or red veins close to the skin's surface.

This vascular disorder is most prevalent in women and is said to affect about 50% of the women population and 25% of all adults. While it can cause slight discomfort and can be unappealing to look at, varicose veins do not cause any serious life-threatening risk, but can signal other concerning circulatory issues.

That said, there are a lot of things that can affect the healthy functioning of the veins including deficiency of certain vitamins. Experts have highlighted two vitamin deficiencies that could affect the blood clotting mechanism and induce vascular problems.

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that is necessary for blood clotting, healing wounds and for bone health. It stops bleeding after an injury, cuts or scrapes. Additionally, this special vitamin can also help strengthen blood vessel walls, which further prevents them from bulging and breaking.

Experts believe low levels or deficiency of vitamin K can increase one's chances of developing varicose veins.

The British Medical Journal states, “Lack of vitamin K2 makes bones long and thin so increasing height through generations is due to poor nutrition and not improving nutrition."

“Low levels of vitamin K2 result in calcification of elastin, the cause of double chins, piles and varicose veins,” it adds.

Most common symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include excessive bleeding. However, there are other signs to watch out for. These include:

- Frequent and easy bruising

- Small blood clots under the nails

- Bleeding in the mucous membranes that line areas in the body

- Dark black stool, with blood sometimes

According to the website Vein Clinics, “When vitamin D levels are low, your veins will struggle to do their job correctly, and veins issues may arise."

“Vitamin D helps to keep your arteries and blood vessels loose enough and relaxed enough to support proper blood flow,” the health website adds.

Vitamin D usually plays a significant role in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. It improves immune functions, battles infections and illnesses and helps facilitate the development of bones and teeth.

However, insufficient or lack of vitamin D has also been associated with unhealthy functioning of the blood vessels.

Vitamin D deficiency can cause your bones to become thin, brittle or misshapen, says Mayo Clinic.

It is associated with fatigue, weakness, mood changes and muscle cramps and aches.

According to the UK's National Health Services (NHS), “A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.”

Foods such as green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, lettuce, and broccoli, vegetable oils, fruits like blueberries and figs, eggs, cheese, meat including liver, chickpeas, and soybeans are great sources of vitamin K.

As far as vitamin D is concerned, the best source is sunlight. Foods like oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, red meat, liver, egg yolk and fortified foods are good food sources of vitamin D, as per the NHS.

One can resort to dietary supplements if they think they're not receiving enough from natural products. However, talking to your physician is recommended at all times.