Contains diosmin and hesperidin, two flavonoids found in many plants. Ingredients tested in double-blind, placebo controlled studies. Increases capillary resistance of blood vessels, increases vein tonicity and decreases capillary permeability.* Acts also as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant.* Like almost everything else in our bodies, our veins are susceptible to deterioration with age, especially if we have a poor diet or inadequate exercise. This is particularly true of the veins in our legs, which have the difficult job of conducting blood upward against gravity's relentless pull. The movements of the legs act as a pump to push the blood upward while flimsy valves stop gravity from pulling it back down. However, over time these valves often begin to fail and the blood then begins to pool in the deep veins of the leg, stretching the vein wall and injuring its lining. This situation is called venous insufficiency. Varicose veins, a condition closely related to venous insufficiency, occur when veins near the surface of the skin are damaged. They visibly dilate and become distorted, resulting in a cosmetically unpleasant appearance resulting in varicose veins and hemorrhoids (actually, the latter are varicose veins, just in a different place), which afflict countless millions of people, especially in Western societies, where the incidence is believed to be about 50% of all people over 50 years of age. Varicose veins affect women about two to three times as often as men. Occupations involving prolonged standing also increase the incidence of venous insufficiency. Pregnancy and obesity do so as well because the increase of pressure in the abdomen makes it more difficult for the blood to flow upward. Conventional medical treatment of venous insufficiency consists mainly of reducing weight, elevating the legs, and wearing elastic support hose. Powerful Vein-Supportive Nutrients in Complete La Femme® Vein Support Formula Diosmin and hesperidin are two natural flavonoids extracted from plants and ?micronized? (reduced in size via innovative new technologies for better absorption in the body). Developed by cutting-edge researchers in Europe, this form of delivery allows the active constituents of diosmin and hesperidin to increase venous tone. Diosmin is a veinotropic agent and vasculoprotective compound which increases the capillary resistance of blood vessels, increases vein tonicity and decreases capillary permeability. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that this potent flavonoid duo significantly improves leg and foot health by ameliorating heaviness and restlessness in the legs, discomfort, heat sensation, swelling (edema), and night cramps. Published in the Journal of Vascular Research, an overview of major studies on diosmin and hesperidin leaves no doubt about their ability to support and protect veins (Struckmann 1999). Remarkably beneficial for people with problematic veins, including hemorrhoids, diosmin and hesperidin were shown in one placebo-controlled study involving 120 individuals to reduce uncomfortable symptoms practically to the ?zero? point (Ibegbuna 1997). The Enhancement of Elasticity and Circulation In London, a team of researchers evaluated 25 people with subnormal elasticity in their leg veins, a key indicator of chronic venous insufficiency. Thirteen individuals received a placebo (sugar pill). After four weeks, the group taking diosmin and hesperidin significantly increased the elasticity of their leg veins; the control group experienced no improvement. The researchers said that diosmin and hesperidin strengthened venous structures, increased their capacity to deliver blood under appropriate pressure, and inhibited inflammation and swelling (Ibegbuna 1997). Impressive results from a breakthrough study conducted in France revealed that micronized diosmin and hesperidin have far-reaching implications for improving blood flow problems in people who have excess blood glucose levels and often struggle with narrowed veins and arteries (Lacombe 1988). Study parti