The direct effect of diet on varicose veins has been insufficiently studied. A Mendelian randomization study concluded that higher genetically-predicted iron levels were associated with an increased risk of varicose veins, while calcium, magnesium, and zinc were inversely associated with varicose vein risk. The risk for varicose veins was increased with higher alcohol consumption and decreased with higher coffee consumption.[1] The following dietary patterns have been reported among patients with venous leg ulcers: Lower intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, and zinc; a higher omega-3:omega-6 ratio; an excessive intake of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar; and an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables.[2][3] While a diet low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates has been linked to the risk of varicose veins, this relationship is not well-established.[4][5]
References
- ^Yuan S, Bruzelius M, Damrauer SM, Larsson SCCardiometabolic, Lifestyle, and Nutritional Factors in Relation to Varicose Veins: A Mendelian Randomization Study.J Am Heart Assoc.(2021-Nov-02)
- ^Barber GA, Weller CD, Gibson SJEffects and associations of nutrition in patients with venous leg ulcers: A systematic review.J Adv Nurs.(2018-Apr)
- ^García-Rodríguez MT, Rodríguez-Parrado M, Seijo-Bestilleiro R, González-Martín CInfluence of Nutrition Status and Compression Therapy on Venous Ulcer Healing: A Systematic Review.Adv Skin Wound Care.(2023-Jan-01)
- ^Jennifer L Beebe-Dimmer, John R Pfeifer, Jennifer S Engle, David SchottenfeldThe epidemiology of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veinsAnn Epidemiol.(2005 Mar)
- ^Elamrawy S, Darwish I, Moustafa S, Elshaer N, Ahmed NEpidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with lower limb varicose veins: a case control study.J Egypt Public Health Assoc.(2021-Jul-06)