Overview
Many vitamin and mineral supplements are reputed to alleviate the presence of unwanted spider veins.

Detailed Description
The media sometimes presents these supplements that are presented as miracle treatments. Derivates of horse chestnut and Vitamin K cream are two among many of the main advertised items, but there are other substances on the market for the same purpose.

Vitamin K is given to people who have a bleeding tendency especially due to liver problems or who have been on blood thinner medication. The logic behind this treatment is to apply Vitamin K on the skin, to prevent excessive skin bruising in case of soft tissue trauma. It may or may not help. Many manufacturer claims, if not all, were never proven in a scientific study. This treatment is unsuccessful in the treatment of spider veins or varicose veins. There is nothing magical in vitamin K to make an anatomical change such as the disappearance of the spider veins. The same applies to horse chestnut and other supplements. These remedies may help leg swelling, but the vein will remain.

Last updated: 26-May-04