Sun
19
Apr
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynauds phenomenon is a little understood condition in which the fingers and toes show an exaggerated sensitivity to cold. Classic cases show a characteristic white, blue, and red color sequence as the digits lose blood supply and then rewarm. Some people develop only one or two of these signs.
The cause of Raynauds phenomenon is unknown.
Conventional treatment consists mainly of reassurance and the recommendation to avoid exposure to cold and the use of tobacco (which can worsen Raynauds). In severe cases, a variety of drugs can be tried.
The cause of Raynauds phenomenon is unknown.
Conventional treatment consists mainly of reassurance and the recommendation to avoid exposure to cold and the use of tobacco (which can worsen Raynauds). In severe cases, a variety of drugs can be tried.
Treatment
Proposed Treatments for Raynauds Phenomenon:
Although there are a number of promising natural treatments for Raynauds phenomenon, none have been proven effective at this time.
Inositol Hexaniacinate
According to one preliminary double-blind study, the special form of niacin (vitamin B3) called inositol hexaniacinate may be helpful for Raynauds phenomenon. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin B3 article.
Essential Fatty Acids
High doses of fish oil have also shown good results for Raynauds phenomenon in preliminary double-blind studies. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full fish oil article.
Another preliminary double-blind study suggests that high doses of GLA may be useful as well. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full GLA article.
When taking essential fatty acids, it is a good idea to take vitamin E as well to prevent the fats from being damaged by free radicals. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin E article.
Ginkgo
Although no direct evidence shows that ginkgo is helpful for Raynauds phenomenon, it has been shown to increase circulation in the fingertips6 and thus may be useful. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full ginkgo article.
Arginine
There are theoretical reasons to believe that the supplement arginine might help reduce symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 10 individuals failed to find arginine at 8g daily effective.
Although there are a number of promising natural treatments for Raynauds phenomenon, none have been proven effective at this time.
Inositol Hexaniacinate
According to one preliminary double-blind study, the special form of niacin (vitamin B3) called inositol hexaniacinate may be helpful for Raynauds phenomenon. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin B3 article.
Essential Fatty Acids
High doses of fish oil have also shown good results for Raynauds phenomenon in preliminary double-blind studies. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full fish oil article.
Another preliminary double-blind study suggests that high doses of GLA may be useful as well. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full GLA article.
When taking essential fatty acids, it is a good idea to take vitamin E as well to prevent the fats from being damaged by free radicals. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin E article.
Ginkgo
Although no direct evidence shows that ginkgo is helpful for Raynauds phenomenon, it has been shown to increase circulation in the fingertips6 and thus may be useful. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full ginkgo article.
Arginine
There are theoretical reasons to believe that the supplement arginine might help reduce symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 10 individuals failed to find arginine at 8g daily effective.