That headline is oversimplified. No vitamin can reliably “open blood vessels” in the way the headline suggests.
Some nutrients are involved in healthy blood vessel function:
- Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with cardiovascular problems in some people, but taking extra vitamin D has not been consistently shown to improve circulation in people with normal levels.
- Vitamin C: Supports the health of blood vessels and is needed for collagen production, but it is not a vasodilator by itself.
- Vitamin E: Has antioxidant properties, but evidence that it improves circulation in the general population is limited, and high-dose supplements can increase bleeding risk.
- B vitamins (especially B12, B6, and folate): Help keep homocysteine levels in check, but supplementation doesn’t necessarily improve blood flow unless you have a deficiency.
The body molecule most directly responsible for relaxing blood vessels is nitric oxide. The body can produce more nitric oxide from dietary nitrates found in foods such as beetroot, spinach, and arugula, and some studies suggest these foods can modestly improve blood vessel function.
If you have poor circulation, the most effective approach depends on the cause. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or peripheral artery disease require appropriate medical evaluation and treatment rather than relying on a single vitamin.
