7 Best Supplements for Blood Flow That Are Safe and Really Work
If left untreated, poor blood circulation can lead to pain in the legs, numbness in the feet, headaches, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, digestive problems, and even a decline in cognitive function. Here are the best supplements for blood flow that can alleviate your symptoms and increase circulation: they are safe to use and well-known to medical science.
1. L-Arginine
Your body sends signals to the muscles of blood vessels using a chemical compound called nitric oxide. To synthesize nitric oxide, your body uses an amino acid that is called L-arginine. There are numerous studies that demonstrate that L-arginine supplementation can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Daily doses of L-arginine that do not exceed 20 grams are usually well-tolerated.
Here is one of the best supplements for poor blood circulation with L-arginine on iHerb:
- 700 mg of L-arginine per capsule
- 180 capsules
- Take capsules with water or juice (at least 8 oz or 240 milliliters)
- Dependable brand
2. L-Citrulline
L-citrulline is a precursor to L-arginine that has an important advantage of having a very high bioavailability. Food supplements with L-citrulline are much better absorbed by the body and can help increase L-arginine levels better than L-arginine itself. What’s more, L-citrulline has proven to be safe even in high doses.
L-citrulline is also one of the best supplements for male blood flow: in a 2011 study, doses of 1.5 g of L-citrulline per day were given to 24 patients with mild erectile dysfunction; half of the participants reported that the hardness of their erection improved and they had a higher number of intercourses.
You can find the best supplements for good blood circulation on iHerb. Here is one of the highest-rated L-citrulline products in this online store:
L-Citrulline by California Gold Nutrition
- 60 capsules containing 500 mg of L-citrulline each
- Well-known affordable brand
3. L-Arginine and L-Citrulline
You might prefer to use L-citrulline and L-arginine together to make the most of both of them. Here is a popular supplement that offers equal quantities of these compounds:
Arginine-Citrulline by Jarrow Formulas
- 120 tablets
- 500 mg of L-citrulline and 500 mg of L-arginine per tablet
- Sustained release: both compounds are released at a slower rate to make their serum levels as stable as possible
- Contains vitamin C that protects nitric oxide from the action of free radicals
4. Nattokinase
Natto is a traditional Japanese food that is made from fermented whole soybeans. The Japanese, whose diets were rich in natto, were for a long time known for significantly lower rates of heart diseases. The reason for this is nattokinase, an enzyme that breaks down a clotting agent called fibrin: this property allows nattokinase to dissolve existing blood clots and prevent the formation of new ones. A 2018 review concludes that nattokinase is an ideal supplement for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease: it lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow, and maintains good blood vessel structure.
Do not take nattokinase if you are already using a blood thinner like Warfarin, as nattokinase can significantly multiply its effect.
Nattokinase, as well as other best supplements for blood clots, can be bought on iHerb. Here is a highly popular dietary supplement that comes from a dependable brand:
- 90 capsules are enough for 3 months of use
- 2,000 fibrinolytic units (an equivalent of 100 mg) per capsule
- Non-GMO and vegan
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil contains two essential omega-3 acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA is of great importance for the nervous system (as well as brain), skin, and retina; EPA is known to reduce inflammation and is transformed by the body into DHA. What’s more, both these compounds can help nitric oxide production and release. In a 2014 study, participants who received 2.2 g of EPA and 1.4 g of DHA per day for 4 weeks were found to have increased blood flow to their legs after physical exercise.
Still, because of the blood-thinning properties of fish oil, it is not recommended that you take daily doses of it that exceed 3 grams.
Fish oil can be used alongside other best supplements for increased blood flow to boost their activity. Here is one of the highest-rated fish oil products on iHerb:
- Reputable brand
- Naturally lemon flavored to avoid fishy aftertaste
- 600 mg of DHA and 800 mg of EPA per serving
- No artificial preservatives of any kind
- Manufactured from wild-caught fish
6. Antioxidants
If you wonder what the best supplements to increase blood flow are, do not neglect to use powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants protect nitric oxide from breakdown by neutralizing free radicals: although they do not directly improve blood flow, they can maximize the effectiveness of other powerful supplements like nattokinase, L-citrulline, and L-arginine.
The “big three” of antioxidants includes vitamin C (it is recommended that you use it in the liposomal form that has a high bioavailability and stays in the bloodstream for a very long time), vitamin E, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a precursor of glutathione, the main detoxicant of the body).
Here are the best antioxidant supplements on iHerb:
Liposomal vitamin C by Dr. Mercola
- Well-known reputable brand
- 500 mg of ascorbic acid per capsule
- 180 capsules
- Premium brand
- 100 IU (67 mg) per softgel
- 100 softgels
- Safflower oil is used for optimal absorption
NAC Detox Regulators by Doctor’s Best
- 180 capsules
- 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine per capsule
- Additionally contains molybdenum (50 mcg) and selenium (50 mcg per capsule) to boost glutathione production
- Well-known brand
7. Beetroot powder
Foods like leafy vegetables (dill, lettuce, spinach, and celery) and beetroot are rich in nitrate that can be converted into nitric oxide. To maximize your nitrate intake, you can use beetroot powder that contains pulverized dried beetroot and can be added to yogurts, smoothies, shakes, and numerous other dishes.
Here is one of the most popular beet powders on iHerb:
Organic Beet Powder by California Gold Nutrition
- 240 g (8.5 oz)
- Organic, vegetarian, and non-GMO
- Does not contain gluten or soy
There are also complex products that combine beetroot extract with above mentioned L-citrulline and vitamin C. Here is such a supplement that can be bought on iHerb — strongly recommended:
Beet Root RED by Irwin Naturals
- 60 softgels per container
- Each serving (4 softgels) contains 1,500 mg of L-citrulline, 90 mg (or 100% daily intake) of vitamin C, and 150 mg of beetroot extract
- Also contains numerous vegetable antioxidant extracts (black and cayenne peppers, red spinach, red ginseng, pomegranate)
- Additionally contains vitamins B6 and B12 (important for cellular energy metabolism)
- MCT (triglycerides that are easily absorbed by the body) oil and flaxseed oil (precursor of the above-described omega-3 fatty acids) are used as carrier oils
- One of the best complex supplements for circulation in legs and limbs in general
While using even the best supplements for blood flow, do not neglect to lead a healthy lifestyle: regular physical exercise and a healthy diet are extremely important for improving blood flow. Take care and see you next time!