Vitamins that help reduce bruising

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Vitamin K and Bruising Reduction

Research shows that vitamin K can help reduce the severity of bruising, especially when applied topically after procedures that cause skin trauma. Studies found that using vitamin K cream for two weeks after laser therapy or subcutaneous injections significantly diminished the severity and size of bruises compared to control groups, particularly in the days immediately following the procedure. This effect is likely due to vitamin K’s role in breaking down blood pigments like hemosiderin, which contribute to skin discoloration during bruising 124.

Vitamin C and Bruising Prevention

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which strengthens blood vessels and skin. Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to increased bruising and bleeding due to weakened vessel walls. Recent studies found that patients with unexplained bleeding and easy bruising often had lower vitamin C levels compared to healthy controls. Clinical experience and some research suggest that oral vitamin C supplementation may help reduce bruising, especially in individuals with underlying connective tissue disorders or suboptimal vitamin C status 35.

Other Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamin A and vitamin E are also involved in skin health and wound healing. Vitamin A supports tissue repair and immune function, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the skin. However, the evidence for vitamin E’s effect on bruising is inconclusive. Some supplements, such as bromelain, have been reported to reduce bruising and swelling after trauma, but the evidence is limited and not as strong as for vitamin K and vitamin C 36.

Considerations for Supplement Use

While some dietary supplements may help reduce bruising, others can increase bleeding risk by altering blood coagulation. It is important for individuals, especially those undergoing surgery or with bleeding disorders, to consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen .

Conclusion

Vitamin K and vitamin C are the most supported vitamins for reducing bruising. Topical vitamin K can help clear bruises after skin trauma, while adequate vitamin C intake strengthens blood vessels and may prevent easy bruising. Other vitamins and supplements may play a role in skin health, but their effects on bruising are less clear. Always consult a healthcare professional before using supplements for bruising, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

The hyaluronic acid push technique for the nasojugal groove.

Vitamin K may help reduce the severity of bruising after laser therapy by breaking down hemosiderin, which causes skin discoloration due to blood leaking out of damaged blood vessels.

2007·

26citations

·S. Bosniak et al.

The effect of topical applications performed after subcutaneous heparin injection on development of bruise and hematoma

Topical applications of Vitamin K, adrenaline, and aluminum-potassium-sulphate significantly reduce bruising and hematoma development after subcutaneous heparin injections.

RCT

2014·

3citations

·M. Dursun et al.

Nutritional support for wound healing.

Nutritional factors like vitamin A, C, and E, as well as botanicals like Centella asiatica and Aloe vera, can enhance wound healing and minimize pain and scarring.

Highly Cited

2003·

498citations

·D. Mackay et al.

The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment.

Topical vitamin K cream after laser treatment reduced the severity of bruising compared to placebo, but pretreatment with vitamin K did not prevent bruising.

RCT

2002·

64citations

·N. S. Shah et al.

Reduced Vitamin C Levels in Patients with Bleeding of Unknown Cause and Generalized Joint Hypermobility

Low vitamin C levels are associated with generalized joint hypermobility and vascular fragility in patients with bleeding of unknown cause and Ehler-Danlos syndrome.

2023·

0citations

·Halla Fridriksdottir et al.

Dietary supplements: altered coagulation and effects on bruising.

Many dietary supplements alter coagulation and may reduce postoperative bruising, so surgeons should be aware of their patients' use and obtain this information prior to extensive surgical procedures.

Systematic Review

2006·

48citations

·S. Dinehart et al.

A Case Of Vitamin C Deficiency Manifesting With Easy Bruising: Suggestion For a Supplementation Protocol

Vitamin C deficiency can cause easy bruising in adults, and a supplementation regimen can improve clinical symptoms and normalize laboratory values.

Case Report

2013·

1citation

·A. Zaidi et al.

Special Considerations When Grafting Cultured Epithelial Sheets in Male Genital Vitiligo

Topical 20% Arnica ointment effectively reduces postprocedural bruising in male genital vitiligo patients compared to placebo or a combination of 1% vitamin K and 0.3% retinol.

Very Rigorous Journal

2016·

4citations

·K. Matsuzaki et al.

Use of vitamin preparations in the skin care process

Vitamins, both oral and external, can improve the appearance of skin and reduce environmental factors-induced changes.

2021·

2citations

·Justyna Marwicka et al.

Estimation of Amount of Vitamin-C in Various Products of Amla (Emblica officinalis Linn.) and Lemon (Citrus limon Linn.) to be Consumed as a Natural Immunity Booster

This study compared various Amla and lemon products to estimate the amount of vitamin C in each to determine which is the best natural immunity booster.

2022·

0citations

·Viniti D Vaidya et al.

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