Nutrition Diet: What vitamins are good for von Willebrand disease?

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) affects approximately 3.2 million people in the United States, making it the most common hereditary bleeding disorder. While medical treatments are vital, a supportive nutrition diet, focusing on what vitamins are good for von Willebrand disease, can help manage symptoms and promote overall vascular health.

Quick Summary

A diet rich in specific vitamins can support individuals with von Willebrand disease by promoting vessel strength and managing complications like anemia. Key nutrients include Vitamin C for vessel health, consistent Vitamin K for clotting support, and iron-supporting B-vitamins.

Key Points

Vitamin C for Vessel Strength: Increases the production of collagen, strengthening blood vessel walls and capillaries to help reduce bruising and bleeding episodes.
Consistent Vitamin K Intake: Supports overall clotting function; consistency from food sources is key, and high-dose supplements should be avoided unless medically advised.
Iron and B-Vitamins for Anemia: A diet rich in iron, folate, and B12 is crucial for preventing and managing anemia caused by heavy bleeding in VWD.
Pair Iron with Vitamin C: For maximum iron absorption, consume iron-rich foods like lentils and lean meat alongside Vitamin C-rich sources such as citrus fruits and bell peppers.
Use Caution with Supplements: Always consult a hematologist before taking high-dose supplements, including Omega-3s, Vitamin E, and certain herbal remedies, as they can interfere with blood clotting.
Focus on Whole Foods: A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains supports overall health and helps maintain a healthy weight to protect joints.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy blood flow and can help reduce complications associated with dehydration.

Understanding von Willebrand Disease and Nutritional Needs

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is caused by a deficiency or defect in the von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein crucial for blood clotting. Because VWF is necessary for platelets to stick together and for carrying Factor VIII, its malfunction can lead to prolonged bleeding and easy bruising. While VWD cannot be cured, dietary management plays a supportive role in promoting overall health and mitigating some symptoms. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet is a foundational strategy for anyone with a bleeding disorder.

Nutritional considerations for VWD are focused on two main areas: supporting overall blood vessel health and managing complications such as iron deficiency anemia, which is common in individuals who experience heavy bleeding, especially women. Vitamins and minerals play a significant role in these processes, and understanding which ones are beneficial is key to creating a supportive diet plan.

The Role of Key Vitamins for von Willebrand Disease

Several vitamins are particularly important for people with VWD, but they must be managed carefully, especially regarding supplements. It is always crucial to consult a healthcare provider or hematologist before starting any supplement regimen to avoid interactions with medications or existing treatments.

Vitamin C This powerful antioxidant is known for its role in strengthening the body's immune system and supporting overall vascular health. For individuals with VWD, its ability to fortify capillaries and blood vessels is particularly beneficial, as it can help prevent easy bruising and bleeding. Vitamin C also plays a critical role in producing collagen, a protein that forms the structural integrity of blood vessel walls.

Food sources: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), berries (strawberries, raspberries), kiwi, guava, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Benefit: Strengthens capillaries to reduce bleeding and bruising, and aids in wound healing.

Vitamin K Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, as it is a cofactor for creating several clotting proteins (Factors II, VII, IX, and X) in the liver. However, VWD is a different type of clotting disorder. The primary goal for VWD patients is to maintain a consistent, moderate intake of Vitamin K through diet, rather than high-dose supplements. Sudden, drastic changes in intake can potentially interfere with blood clotting consistency, though high levels of dietary Vitamin K are not usually a concern for VWD patients who are not on blood-thinning medications.

Food sources: Dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, collards, Swiss chard), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and vegetable oils.
Benefit: Supports the overall coagulation cascade through dietary intake, without affecting the von Willebrand factor directly.

B-Vitamins (Folate and B12) Folate (Vitamin B9) and Vitamin B12 are critical for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Anemia from chronic blood loss is a common problem for individuals with VWD, particularly women with heavy menstrual periods. Ensuring adequate intake of these B-vitamins helps prevent anemia and supports overall blood health.

Food sources (Folate): Leafy greens, asparagus, beans, peas, and fortified grains.
Food sources (B12): Animal products like meat, fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, and dairy, as well as fortified cereals and nutritional yeast.
Benefit: Helps prevent anemia related to chronic bleeding by supporting hemoglobin and red blood cell production.

Managing Anemia with Iron and Vitamin C

Heavy menstrual bleeding or other bleeding episodes can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A nutrition strategy to prevent and manage anemia is a top priority for many with VWD.

Iron-rich foods: Lean meats, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach, fortified cereals, and dried fruits like raisins.
Enhancing absorption: Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods significantly boosts the body's ability to absorb iron, especially from plant-based sources. For example, a spinach salad (iron) with bell peppers (Vitamin C) or fortified cereal with strawberries is an effective combination.

Navigating Supplements and Potential Risks

While obtaining vitamins from whole foods is the safest approach, supplements may be considered under medical supervision. Some supplements can potentially interfere with blood clotting and should be used with extreme caution.

Supplements to discuss with a doctor:

High-dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): High doses can inhibit platelet aggregation and may increase bleeding risk.
High-dose Vitamin E: This fat-soluble vitamin has known blood-thinning properties at high concentrations.
Herbal supplements: Many herbs like garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, and turmeric are known for anti-clotting effects and should be cleared with a hematologist before use.

General supplementation advice:

Always inform your doctor or hematologist about any supplements you are considering.
Prioritize a balanced diet for nutrient intake whenever possible.
If iron supplementation is needed due to anemia, it should be medically monitored.

Practical Dietary Planning: A Comparison

Here is a simple comparison to help guide dietary choices for managing VWD:


Feature	Supportive Nutritional Approach	Cautionary/High-Risk Approach
Vitamin C	Include a daily variety of whole fruits and vegetables like oranges, kiwi, and peppers to strengthen blood vessels.	Using very high-dose supplements without medical advice, though high doses from food are not a concern.
Vitamin K	Maintain a consistent intake of leafy greens; avoid erratic consumption patterns.	Taking high-dose supplements that could interfere with other medications or standard clotting.
Iron	Incorporate lean meats, legumes, and fortified cereals, pairing them with Vitamin C-rich foods.	Relying solely on supplements without addressing the root cause of blood loss or seeking professional monitoring.
B-Vitamins	Include dairy, eggs, and lean proteins, or fortified foods for vegans/vegetarians, to support red blood cell health.	Neglecting to address potential anemia, especially with heavy menstrual bleeding.
Hydration	Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy blood flow.	Inadequate fluid intake, which can lead to dehydration and other complications.
Overall Diet	Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, managing overall weight to protect joints.	Consuming a diet high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and excessive alcohol.

Conclusion

While a balanced diet is not a cure for von Willebrand disease, it is a powerful tool for managing symptoms and promoting overall health. Focusing on key vitamins like C and the B-complex group helps support vascular integrity and combat anemia, a common side effect of the disorder. Maintaining a consistent intake of Vitamin K from dietary sources is prudent, while extreme caution is warranted when considering any supplements, especially those with blood-thinning properties. The cornerstone of a healthy diet for VWD is a nutrient-dense intake of whole foods, combined with regular medical consultation to ensure any dietary adjustments or supplements are safe and effective. For more comprehensive information and support, the National Hemophilia Foundation provides a wealth of resources on managing bleeding disorders. National Hemophilia Foundation is a valuable resource for individuals and families living with VWD.

Frequently Asked Questions

For von Willebrand disease, the most important vitamins include Vitamin C for strengthening blood vessels, Vitamin K for general clotting support (though its intake should be consistent), and B-vitamins like folate and B12 to help prevent anemia from blood loss.

Vitamin C helps strengthen capillaries and blood vessels, which may help reduce the incidence of easy bruising. While a diet rich in Vitamin C is beneficial, discuss high-dose supplements with a doctor, as excessive amounts can have varying effects.

Vitamin K is essential for the production of several clotting factors, but not the von Willebrand factor itself. The key is to maintain a consistent intake of dietary Vitamin K, found in leafy greens, to support the overall clotting process without causing unwanted fluctuations.

Many herbal supplements, such as garlic, ginger, and gingko biloba, can have blood-thinning effects and should be avoided or discussed with a hematologist before taking. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance on any herbal supplements.

Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, which is needed to carry oxygen in the blood. For people with VWD who experience heavy bleeding, particularly heavy menstrual periods, iron deficiency anemia is a risk. Maintaining adequate iron intake through diet or supplements is vital.

To improve iron absorption, consume iron-rich foods alongside foods that contain Vitamin C. The Vitamin C helps convert plant-based iron into a more easily absorbed form. Good combinations include lentils with bell peppers or fortified cereals with berries.

High doses of certain supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and various herbal remedies (garlic, ginger, ginkgo) can have blood-thinning effects and should be discussed with a doctor before use. Rely on food sources and moderate intake, not supplements, unless directed by a healthcare professional.