A new study has revealed that having a vitamin K deficiency may lead to a greater likelihood of developing varicose veins.
Research found that low levels of vitamin K may reduce the activity of the matrix GLA protein (MGP), which is believed to play a significant role in varicose vein formation.
By increasing the amount of vitamin K in the body, it could potentially reduce or even stop the development of varicose veins.
It is estimated that between five and 30 per cent of people are prone to get varicose veins, with women three times more susceptible than men.
The study's co-author Leon Schurgers, from the University of Maastricht, said: "Defects in the vein wall are indicated in varicosis, with a central role for the vitamin K-dependent protein MGP.
"Previous studies from our group demonstrated the importance of MGP and vitamin K for the arterial vessel wall, and now we show that MGP and vitamin K could play a significant role in varicose veins."
Causes which could bring about varicose veins are thought to be ageing, obesity, genetic predispositions, physical activity, standing occupations, multiple pregnancies and connective tissue abnormalities.
A new study has revealed that having a vitamin K deficiency may lead to a greater likelihood of developing varicose veins.
