Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Intermittent Claudication
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Ginkgo | 120 to 160 mg daily |  [3 stars] Studies have reported that people with intermittent claudication see improvements in pain-free walking distance when supplementing with ginkgo. |
Inositol Hexaniacinate (Vitamin B3) | 2 grams twice per day | [3 stars] Inositol hexaniacinate, a special form of vitamin B3, has been used successfully to reduce symptoms, this treatment should be monitored by a doctor. |
Policosanol | 10 mg twice per day | [3 stars] Supplementing with policosanol may reduce platelet stickiness and improve walking capacity. |
Propionyl-L-Carnitine | 2 grams daily | [3 stars] In double-blind trials, supplementing with either L-carnitine or propionyl-L-carnitine (a form of L-carnitine) has increased walking distance in people with intermittent claudication. |
Vitamin E | 400 to 600 IU daily | [3 stars] Taking vitamin E may improve blood flow and increase walking capacity. |
Fish Oil, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin E, Oleic Acid, and Alpha-Linolenic Acid | 200 mg of EPA and 130 mg of DHA daily, plus small amounts of vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid |  [2 stars] In one study, men with intermittent claudication who drank a milk product fortified with fish oil, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid could walk further without pain than those who drank regular milk. |
Garlic | 400 mg of a standardized extract twice per day | [2 stars] In one study, people given a garlic powder extract could walk a significantly greater distance than those given a placebo. |
L-Carnitine | 2 grams a day of proprionyl-L-carnitine | [2 stars] In double-blind trials, supplementation with either L-carnitine or propionyl-L-carnitine (a form of L-carnitine) has increased walking distance in people with intermittent claudication. |
Padma 28 | 760 mg twice per day | [2 stars] In one trial, people with intermittent claudication who took the Tibetan herbal formula Padma 28 increased their walking distance by an average of 115%. |
Evening Primrose Oil | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] In a preliminary trial, supplementing with evening primrose oil led to a 10% increase in exercise tolerance in people with intermittent claudication. |
Magnesium | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Magnesium may increase blood flow by helping to dilate blood vessels. One trial found that taking magnesium may increase walking distance in people with intermittent claudication. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.