Blood Flow Supplements: Top 12 Picks for Healthy Circulation

The heart has a big job: It has to pump blood through the entire body so that your cells can thrive, and the process by which your ticker keeps your blood flowing is highly complex. But we'll keep things simple by stating this: blood flow, the state of your blood vessels and healthy blood circulation are all mandatory for your heart health, and, ultimately, staying alive.

You probably already know a few healthy ways to get your blood pumping—like cardio workouts. But what else can you do to support your circulation? For example, if you want to better support your blood flow, what vitamins and supplements might be most beneficial?

Indeed, there are a number of blood flow supplements well-known to support good circulation. While this list isn't exhaustive, here's a roundup of some of our top recommendations!

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most vital minerals in the body and is involved in more than 600 biochemical reactions! Among many other things, it supports cardiovascular health, already-healthy blood pressure levels and endothelial function. In addition, it inhibits oxidative stress.

Plus, magnesium helps relax the smooth muscles within the blood vessels, which makes it easier for your blood to flow. This means that the heart doesn't have to work as hard to send oxygen and all those good nutrients through your blood vessels.

2. Fish oil

You don't have to be a fan of fish to reap the benefits of fish oil supplements! EPA and DHA fish oil supplements can help support healthy levels of omega-3 fats, which are necessary for heart health. In fact, this is why the Mediterranean diet can be so beneficial for your cardiovascular health: It includes plenty of healthy fats.

Bonus: Certain types of fish oil may also be a good source of vitamins A and D.

3. French maritime pine extract

You probably have heard of magnesium and fish oil, but what is French maritime pine extract? Like the name implies, this extract is found in the bark of a specific pine tree and has a wealth of benefits, especially when it comes to healthy blood flow. (You may know this superstar nutrient by another name—pycnogenol.)

Pycnogenol helps inhibit inflammatory factors to support endothelial and artery health. Pycnogenol also supports optimal nitric oxide levels in the arteries, an important part of helping blood vessels relax and widen so they can function at their best.

Bonus: Pycnogenol also has positive antioxidant effects on the body, which means you are more adequately protected against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

4. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a healthy aging supplement that has big benefits for your heart, cellular and cognitive health. Resveratrol protects your heart health by shielding cells from oxidative stress. It also promotes endothelial health and function.

Fun fact: the reason why red wine is considered "healthy" is its resveratrol content. However, for extra impact, you should choose a supplement that offers high bioavailability and is combined with quercetin, which is a phytonutrient that's great for your heart and immune system.

5. Arjuna extract

Arjuna is an herb. Arjuna extract has been clinically studied to support both blood pumping capacity in the heart and your cardiovascular endurance (how long you can exercise before you become exhausted). That means that this one could be especially advantageous for athletic individuals!

In fact, in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of older adults and active younger men, research found that 400 mg of arjuna for 8 weeks is especially beneficial for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the measurement of the efficiency of your heart’s left ventricle.

6. Gotu kola extract

To help maintain cardiovascular health, it's important to keep the endothelial lining of your blood vessels healthy. That's where gotu kola extract offers certain benefits. 

It may also help to support a healthy inflammatory response, better defenses against oxidative stress and even optimal vascular health.

Pro tip: Want a little extra artery support? Look for a combination gotu kola and pycnogenol formula.

7. L-arginine

Your blood circulatory system delivers nutrients and oxygen to every single cell in your body. It's also responsible for removing carbon dioxide and waste products from your tissues. To do this effectively, your body needs L-arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, to serve as a precursor for nitric oxide, which is a potent vasodilator—a substance that widens your blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Therefore, L-arginine supplements can support already-healthy blood pressure levels.

L-arginine is one of the most basic types of nitric oxide supplements. This amino acid stays in your blood only for a short amount of time. That's why supplementing can be helpful.

8. Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract contains a specific compound called oleuropein, which helps maintain already-healthy blood pressure levels.

When it's combined with antioxidant-rich extract of celery seeds, it can encourage circulatory health. One study even suggested that phenolic-rich olive leaf extract can favorably support already-healthy blood pressure, endothelial health and lipid function.

9. Extra virgin olive oil

Even just a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily can encourage cardiovascular health. These benefits could be due to the polyphenols it contains, such as hydroxytyrosol. You can cook with olive oil, add it to your salads, or even slip it into a smoothie.

10. Boswellia serrata extract

There's a specific enzyme called 5-LOX that transforms fatty acids from foods into certain compounds that can impact your health. These factors can impact even those with the healthiest lifestyles, as the typical American diet supercharges production of those compounds.

Fortunately, Boswellia serrata, an extract from an Indian plant, contains compounds that can inhibit 5-LOX, along with supporting a healthy inflammatory response, arterial and joint health.

11. Nattokinase extract

They don't call sitting the new smoking for nothing! Sitting too much can impact your blood circulation, no matter how otherwise healthy your lifestyle is. Nattokinase can especially benefit people with a sedentary lifestyle and support optimal blood flow.

It's made from fermented soybean extract and supports a healthy, balanced clotting process, healthy blood circulation, and already-healthy blood pressure levels. It's sometimes formulated in combination with pycnogenol.

12. Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that supports healthy immune function and a healthy inflammatory response.

But did you know that it has also been studied for its support of healthy vascular function? Studies have found that quercetin is a standout supplement for benefiting blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range.

Is it safe to take blood flow supplements?

Yes, but it's important to do your due diligence and also take any supplement as directed.

Be sure to choose supplements from brands that use the same ingredients observed in clinical studies. As always, blood flow supplements (like most supplements) are generally safe to take as long as you are following the instructions on the label or what your healthcare provider recommends. Take your dosages consistently for the recommended amount of time.

Be sure to speak with your provider before introducing blood flow supplements into your regimen.

Do lifestyle changes matter more than supplements?

Remember that by definition, a supplement is something that you add to already-healthy lifestyle habits. It is not a replacement for healthy habits.

This means that you must start with a nutrient-dense diet (smart nutrition choices include fiber-rich plant foods like vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and nuts, along with healthy proteins and fats, when possible, eat organic!), optimal hydration, regular exercise, sufficient high-quality sleep and managing your stress effectively. These habits will be pivotal in maintaining healthy blood flow and circulation.

Beyond making prudent choices each day, supplements can help to support your lifestyle and fill in certain gaps. Think of them like icing on the cake. By following a holistic approach, you'll keep your heart healthy and your blood pumping to encourage whole-body wellness.

Friendly reminder: It's always a good idea to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement or otherwise making significant lifestyle changes. It can also be beneficial to keep a wellness journal where you keep track of the changes you've made and how your body has responded.

References

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• Chen H, et al. "Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases." Biomark Insights. July 2018. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6043915/
• Harris WS. "Recent studies confirm the utility of the omega-3 index." Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. March 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11809719/
• Larson A, et al. “Acute, quercetin-induced reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive individuals are not secondary to lower plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme activity or endothelin-1: nitric oxide.” Nutr Res. August 2012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22935338/
• Lockyer S, et al. “Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial.” Eur J Nutr. June 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26951205/
• Mohammadipoor N, et al. "Resveratrol supplementation efficiently improves endothelial health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Phytotherapy Research. July 2022. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7562
• Srivastava S, et al. “Effect of E-OJ-01 on Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Myocardial Oxygen Consumption: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” J Multidiscip Healthc. November 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36349244/
• Weichmann F, Rohdewald P. "Pycnogenol®French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies." Front Nutr. May 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11096518/
• "Heart Valves and Circulation." American Heart Association. May 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/about-heart-valves/heart-valves-and-circulation
• "In brief: How does the blood circulatory system work?" National Institutes of Health. November 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279250/