Are Varicose veins caused by a vitamin deficiency?

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins that are often close to the surface of the skin. They are a common issue and can cause discomfort and swelling for those that have them.

Varicose veins are caused when valves become weak or damaged and allow blood to flow backwards which then pools in the veins causing them to enlarge, stretch and twist. Typically, things that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins include:

Ageing – As we age, valves can become weaker and over time varicose veins can occur.
Pregnancy – Blood volume in the body increases during pregnancy which can cause enlarged varicose veins on the legs.
Genetics – Varicose veins can run in the family.
Gender – Women are more prone to developing varicose veins due to hormonal changes.
Obesity – Increased pressure is put onto veins when you are overweight.
Decreased Movement – Sitting or standing for long periods of time can affect blood flow putting pressure on valves.

It has now been recently reported that vitamin deficiencies may also be a risk factor for developing varicose veins.

Vitamin K and Varicose Veins

Vitamin K is the name for a group of vitamins that the body requires for blood clotting, helping wounds to heal and building of bones. Vitamin K is found in foods such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, spinach and lettuce.

According to the British Medical Journal, “Low levels of vitamin K2 result in calcification of elastin, the cause of double chins, piles and varicose veins.”

Vitamin K can strengthen the walls of capillaries (smaller blood vessels) to prevent stretching and breaking.

Vitamin D and Varicose Veins

Vitamin D is a vitamin that helps your body to absorb and regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body. This helps to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Our bodies can create vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, but it is also found in foods such as oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods such as cereal.

Vitamin D also works to relax arteries and blood vessels to enable them to be able to support proper blood flow. It your Vitamin D levels are low then your veins may start to struggle which then puts you at risk of venous issues such as varicose veins.

How to prevent Varicose Veins?

Ensuring you are getting enough Vitamin K and Vitamin D is always going to help prevent varicose veins, but they do not have any effect on the underlying causes of vein disease. They should not be solely relied upon to avoid developing varicose veins.

According to the NHS there is actually little evidence to suggest that anything in particular can stop varicose veins getting worse or completely stop new ones developing. But there are plenty of lifestyle changes that can be put in place if you are at risk of varicose veins. These include:

Keeping active and exercising regularly.
Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods of time.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a nutritious diet.
Don’t wear tight-fitting or restricting clothes.
Wear compression or support socks/tights.

Can you treat Varicose Veins?

You may not be able to fully prevent varicose veins, but you can definitely treat them.

At The Private Clinic, we have carried out over 7,000 vein treatments at our vein clinics across the UK. We specialise in offering walk-in, walk-out treatments with no need for general anaesthetic or hospital stays.

When you choose us for Varicose Vein treatment, you will have a consultation with one of our vascular consultant surgeons who have decades of experience in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and other minimally invasive vein treatments. The advantage of our consultations is that everything is covered in one visit. You will be able to find out what the problem is, what treatment is needed and what the price will be before returning home to think about the options. There is no pressure to book for treatment immediately.

Our varicose vein treatments include:

EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) or Endovenous laser treatment, the gold standard in vein removal with 95% success rate
Sclerotherapy (Foam & Liquid)
VenaSeal (Minimal injection, no support tights)
Phlebectomy (Ideal for larger veins close to the surface)

We offer industry-leading aftercare with successful outcomes and low recurrence rates.

Varicose Vein Treatment Reviews

“I booked into The Private Clinic in Northampton for an initial consultation for the removal of varicose veins.

My appointment was with Mr Pathak where I had an ultrasound to establish the veins which needed treatment and the correct treatment for them.

The consultation was very thorough with everything being explained; from the treatments available and the risks involved to expectations and aftercare, with plenty of time for questions etc. Mr Pathak recommended an Endothermal Ablation/Phlebectomy in both legs.

My procedure took place at the Birmingham clinic, where again everything was explained as the procedure took place. Sarah was particularly welcoming and calming and helped to put me at ease throughout.

I had my follow-up appointments and phone calls to check on recovery and any problems or concerns I had with the lovely staff at Northampton.

I am writing this review seven weeks post-procedure and both legs have healed nicely. For me personally, I think recovery took a little longer than I was anticipating but I am pretty much back to my usual routine, back at the gym and looking forward to a holiday in the sun with lovely new legs! I feel I have a new confidence and don’t feel I have to worry about what I am going to wear. The pain, aches and itchiness have all gone. Thank you so much to Mr Pathak and all staff at Northampton and Birmingham Clinics. I would definitely recommend.” – Jo, Varicose Vein Patient

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“I attended the private clinic a few months back for varicose vein removal with Mr Inglott my experience from start to finish was incredible. All the staff were so friendly from the receptionists to my coordinator/clinic manager.

I’m really pleased with the results and delighted to get my confidence back and to be able to wear shorts for the first time in years.

I can’t thank The Private Clinic enough.” – Dash, Varicose Vein Patient

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“Having received little joy on the NHS for varicose veins I decided to go privately. After doing some research I choose The Private Clinic. Throughout the whole process, I have received excellent service and care. I would highly recommend the Professor and his team, especially Sahera.” – James, Varicose Vein Patient

Why choose The Private Clinic for Varicose Vein Removal?

At the Private Clinic, we have over 40 years of experience providing the best and latest vein removal treatments and have treated over 7,000 patients concerned about their veins. We work with highly qualified consultant vascular surgeons who have extensive experience in their field.
In our Harley Street clinic in London, we perform all the varicose vein removal treatments listed. At The Private Clinic we provide:

We are able to offer some of the least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins for your legs, body and face.
No lengthy downtime or recovery required.
Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
We focus on the underlying cause of your veins and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins findings shows that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%.
A consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons costs £200, including a free ultrasound scan of your legs (usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals).
Treatment takes one hour; you can go home shortly after being treated.
We have been featured in several TV shows and press including Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, TLC’s My Naked Secret and have been recently featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019.
We have been able to restore the confidence in many of our patients by avoiding health issues and achieving great results.
We are able to offer finance solutions with manageable payments to suit a variety of budgets.
View our extensive FAQs
See our previous patient stories
View varicose vein before and after photo results
View our varicose veins blogs for more information
Download our varicose vein treatment brochure

Consultant Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, MD, FRCS(Gen). GMC 3275436
Mr Dynesh Rittoo, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Gen Surg). GMC 3556456
Mr Charles Ranaboldo, BM, FRCS, MS. GMC Number: 2939195
Professor Rajiv Kumar Vohra, MBBS. GMC Number: 3158700
Mr Tahir Hussain, MBBS, MS, FRCS. GMC Number: 3242669
Mr Rajiv Pathak, MBBS, MS, FRCS, FRCS(Gen). GMC Number: 4585309
Mr Ferdinand Serracino-Inglott, MD, FRCSI, FRCS(Gen), DIC MSc. GMC Number: 5206200
Mr Duncan Parry, MBChB, MD, FRCS, PG Cert Medical Ultrasound, PG Cert Medical Research, GMC Number: 4037844

The Private Clinic offers varicose vein removal consultations at our clinics in: London, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Manchester, Northampton and Leeds.

To find out more about varicose vein treatments or to book an veins appointment, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online varicose vein contact form.