Nutritional Data in the Prevention and Therapy of Peripheral Arterial Disease

There is increasing evidence of the importance of nutrition in the incidence, severity, and prognosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD patients should be encouraged to reduce the consumption of dietary fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and to increase the daily intake of fiber, folate, and vitamins D and E, with a diet based on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, low on meat and refined grain products, and with no added salt. Improving the everyday diet enhances the patient’s overall status and cardiovascular prognosis, and does not increase the number of pills prescribed. A systematic nutritional assessment should be included as part of the integral management of patients with critical limb ischemia, as anemia, iron, folate, and vitamins B12 and D deficiencies are common and can seriously affect patient outcome. To date, no solid recommendations can be offered regarding the systematic supplementation of folate, vitamins B or D, niacin, L-arginine, omega-3 essential fatty acids, oral amino acids, antioxidants, or any other specific compound, for either the prevention or the treatment of PAD until further evidence demonstrates efficacy.