Category: Edema

According to a study published in *Frontiers in Nutrition* in July 2025, a negative correlation exists between vitamin K intake and several inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting a link to inflammation regulation which can contribute to swelling. Understanding **what vitamin is good for swollen legs and feet** involves recognizing how certain nutrients regulate fluid balance and improve circulation.

A lack of protein can lead to swelling, or edema, a condition where the body's tissues trap fluid. This occurs because crucial blood proteins, like albumin, are responsible for maintaining the fluid balance necessary to prevent your legs from swelling.

Severe protein-energy malnutrition, a condition known as kwashiorkor, causes the body to retain fluid, leading to a swollen or puffy appearance that can affect the face. This confirms that a serious health issue involving not eating enough can indeed make your face puffy, distinguishing it from minor dietary or lifestyle factors.

According to the National Institutes of Health, magnesium is a crucial electrolyte involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those that regulate fluid balance. While not a cure-all, this vital mineral can be a key component in managing fluid retention. But can magnesium get rid of edema completely, and how does it work?

A severe lack of protein, specifically albumin, is a recognized cause of fluid retention, known as edema. This reveals a complex relationship where protein plays a critical, yet highly conditional, role in managing swelling. The question of whether adjusting protein intake can help with edema hinges entirely on the underlying medical reason for the fluid buildup.

According to medical experts, a severe deficiency of vitamin B1, known as thiamine, can lead to a condition called wet beriberi, which is a major cause of swollen feet. This is because the lack of thiamine impairs cellular energy production and can lead to fluid accumulation in the body's tissues, including the extremities.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a severe lack of protein, known as kwashiorkor, can cause significant fluid retention and swollen feet, even in individuals who consume enough calories. Understanding which deficiency causes swollen feet is critical, as it points to serious underlying health issues related to malnutrition and metabolic function.

Based on medical research, low protein levels, especially of the protein albumin, can lead to edema by decreasing the oncotic pressure that keeps fluid within the bloodstream. This mechanism reveals how protein can help edema by restoring the body's natural fluid regulation and preventing excessive fluid buildup.

According to the World Health Organization, the average global sodium intake is more than double the recommended amount, often leading to temporary fluid retention. This fluid buildup, known as edema, can directly answer the question: can eating too much salt cause leg swelling?.

According to the Mayo Clinic, edema, or swollen ankles, is a common condition resulting from fluid buildup. Determining what is the best supplement for swollen ankles involves considering key nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and certain B vitamins to help manage this discomfort.