Among the best vitamins for circulation are vitamins A, C, E, niacin and thiamine. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is essential for the normal secretion of mucus by cells that line the respiratory tract. Although it might not be readily obvious why vitamin A figures on the list of vitamins that enhance circulation, its benefits for this vital function come into focus when considering that one of the principal roles of circulation is to provide oxygen-rich blood to every cell of the body. The respiratory system cannot be ignored or even dismissed when speaking of circulation, which affects the entire body.
Vitamin C, which is ascorbic acid, is one of the best vitamins to enhance circulation because it increases absorption of the mineral iron, and it is necessary to maintain the integrity of blood vessel walls. Iron is a vital part of the hemoglobin responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues, and oxygenated blood must travel through an amazing network of blood vessels on its way to cells. This scenario of how one nutrient depends on another helps to illustrate that vitamins for circulation or any other vital function almost always need the presence of additional vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Tocopherols, better known as vitamin E, assist in the preservation of red blood cells, helping to prevent their premature destruction. They also help to slow the aging process and have proved to be beneficial in heart disease patients. Although health problems can occur at any age, the mature population tends to suffer more health problems than younger people.
Retarding the aging process should be considered an indirect way in which nutrients can strengthen circulation. Preventing the early destruction of blood cells favors circulation, because without an adequate supply of these cells, proper circulation cannot take place. Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is another of the vitamins that enhance circulation that might seem unrelated to the circulatory system. Anemia is one of the symptoms that present with a niacin deficiency, however. Thiamine, which is vitamin B1, is essential to the overall proper function of the cardiovascular system.
Food sources for vitamin A include dark green vegetables, carrots, yellow fruits such as apricots, potatoes and yellow corn. Vitamin C is abundantly found in citrus fruits and fruit juices. It also is found abundantly in many vegetables. The B complex family of vitamins and vitamin E are available in whole heirloom grains such as spelt, barley and kamut. Eating a diet consisting mainly of organically grown vegetables, heirloom grains and fruits is the best way to ensure adequate amounts of vitamins for good circulation.