Can Supplements Improve Circulation for MS Cold Hands and Feet?

❄️ Why Cold Hands and Feet Happen in MS

People with MS often report feeling cold—especially in their fingers and toes—even when the room is warm. But what causes this?

🔁 The Root Causes

Dysautonomia (Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction)
MS can damage nerves that control involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature regulation. This leads to poor vascular tone and vasoconstriction, especially in the extremities.

Reduced Mobility
Less movement due to fatigue or spasticity leads to slower blood circulation, especially in the legs and feet.

Medication Side Effects
Some MS drugs—especially beta-interferons or muscle relaxants—may affect circulation indirectly by altering nerve function or causing fatigue.

Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Chronic inflammation in MS may damage the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, impairing nitric oxide production—a key chemical for vasodilation.

Low Muscle Tone
Muscles help push blood through veins. Muscle weakness or atrophy in MS can contribute to venous pooling and cold sensations.

Looking for supplements for people with MS? Click here.

🌿 Supplements That May Support Circulation in MS

Let’s look at evidence-based supplements that could help improve blood flow and relieve cold hands and feet.

🧪 1. L-Arginine

Why it helps:
L-arginine is an amino acid that converts into nitric oxide (NO)—a powerful vasodilator.

Increases blood vessel relaxation and diameter
Enhances blood flow to extremities
Supports oxygen delivery to tissues

A clinical trial in people with endothelial dysfunction showed that L-arginine supplementation improved blood flow and reduced cold sensitivity [1].

Suggested dose: 2,000–6,000 mg/day (split into 2–3 doses)
Note: Start slow—may cause mild bloating or GI upset in some people.

🌿 2. Ginkgo Biloba

Why it helps:
Ginkgo is a well-known circulatory aid that enhances microvascular blood flow, especially to the brain and extremities.

Improves oxygen delivery and capillary circulation
Reduces oxidative stress in blood vessels
May enhance thermoregulation via neural pathways

In a 12-week study, ginkgo improved blood flow and cold resistance in patients with Raynaud’s-like symptoms [2].

Suggested dose: 120–240 mg/day, standardized to 24% flavone glycosides.

🧂 3. Magnesium

Why it helps:
Magnesium helps regulate vascular tone, nerve signaling, and temperature control.

Prevents vasospasms (sudden blood vessel narrowing)
Helps relax smooth muscle in vessel walls
Improves thermoregulation, especially in cold environments

People with MS often have low magnesium due to inflammation, medications, or dietary gaps [3].

Suggested dose: 200–400 mg/day (magnesium glycinate or citrate preferred).

🐟 4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

Why it helps:
Omega-3s support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow through vasodilation.

Enhances endothelial function
Reduces blood viscosity, allowing smoother circulation
Supports nerve health, indirectly aiding thermoregulation

A randomized controlled trial showed improved vascular function in adults with poor circulation after 12 weeks of omega-3 supplementation [4].

Suggested dose: 1,000–3,000 mg of combined EPA/DHA daily

🍊 5. Vitamin C

Why it helps:
Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels, reduces oxidative stress, and supports collagen production, which is important for vascular integrity.

May improve microcapillary strength
Supports NO bioavailability
Helps reduce free radical damage to vessels

Suggested dose: 500–1,000 mg/day
Bonus: Works synergistically with L-arginine and omega-3s.

Looking for supplements for people with MS? Click here.

💊 6. CoQ10

Why it helps:
Coenzyme Q10 supports mitochondrial function, energy production, and vascular health.

Improves circulatory performance in peripheral tissues
Helps reduce fatigue-related inactivity, indirectly aiding blood flow
May increase thermogenic activity in muscle cells

One study in people with MS found CoQ10 significantly improved fatigue and daily functioning, which may help combat sedentary-related coldness [5].

Suggested dose: 100–200 mg/day (ubiquinol form is more bioavailable)

🧬 7. B Vitamins (Especially B3, B6, and B12)

Why they help:
B vitamins are essential for nerve repair, red blood cell formation, and vascular health.

B3 (niacin) increases peripheral circulation
B6 and B12 support myelin regeneration
Deficiencies can cause tingling, numbness, and temperature dysregulation

A deficiency in B12 is common in people with MS and can contribute to poor blood flow and neuropathy.

Suggested dose: Use a methylated B-complex; test serum B12 if possible.

🔥 8. Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin)

Why it helps:
Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne pepper, promotes vasodilation and stimulates thermogenesis.

Increases blood flow to extremities
Enhances internal heat production
Often found in topical creams for warming effect

Oral supplements are available but may irritate the stomach—start with low doses or topical applications.

Suggested dose: 20–50 mg capsaicin capsules (optional)

🧦 Lifestyle Tips That Complement Supplements

Supplements are most effective when paired with healthy routines:

✅ Keep Moving

Even light exercise, like stretching or walking, increases venous return and warms the body.

✅ Dress in Layers

Use thermal socks, gloves, and compression wear to keep heat close and improve circulation.

✅ Stay Hydrated

Dehydration thickens the blood and impairs circulation. Aim for 2–3 liters of fluid per day.

✅ Dry Brushing

This gentle technique stimulates blood and lymph flow before showers.

✅ Warm Foot Soaks

Try Epsom salt soaks to improve circulation and magnesium levels simultaneously.

⚠️ When Cold Hands and Feet Signal a Bigger Issue

Seek medical guidance if your symptoms include:

Severe, persistent numbness or color changes (blue or white fingers)
Open sores or poor healing on fingers/toes
Raynaud’s syndrome diagnosis
Sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing
Heart or vascular disease history

Your MS specialist or vascular doctor may need to adjust medications or run tests to rule out other circulatory disorders.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Warming from Within

Cold extremities are more than just an annoyance—they may signal autonomic issues or reduced blood flow tied to MS progression.

The good news? Certain circulatory-supportive supplements like L-arginine, ginkgo biloba, omega-3s, magnesium, and CoQ10 can make a real difference when paired with movement, hydration, and warmth-preserving habits.

Always consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement—especially if you're on medications like blood thinners or beta-blockers.

With the right combination of nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to bring warmth and comfort back into your hands and feet.

Looking for supplements for people with MS? Click here.

📚 References

Böger RH. The pharmacodynamics of L-arginine. J Nutr. 2007;137(6 Suppl 2):1650S-1655S.

Belcaro G, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Angiology. 2000;51(6):443–450.

Nielsen FH. Magnesium, inflammation, and obesity in chronic disease. Nutr Rev. 2010;68(6):333–340.

McVeigh GE, et al. Fish oil improves arterial compliance in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Atherosclerosis. 1994;107(1):141–147.

Sanoobar M, et al. Coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for fatigue and depression in MS patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Nutr Neurosci. 2016;19(4):138–143.