What Vitamins Can Help With Inflammation?

Research over the years has pointed to certain vitamins with anti-inflammatory compounds. These vitamins can be acquired in supplement form and by eating foods that naturally contain them.
Here is a list of six vitamins that possess anti-inflammatory properties and the foods that are rich sources of them.
Vitamin A
Studies have found that vitamin A can keep the immune system from being overactive and causing inflammation.1 Vitamin A is available in two forms: Beta-carotene is a provitamin that is converted into vitamin A in the body, and vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals. Diets rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A can help to reduce inflammation.
Food Sources
Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, dandelion, kale, collard greens, spinach, and a wide variety of leafy vegetables.
B Vitamins
People with low vitamin B6 will often have high levels of C-reactive protein, another compound responsible for inflammation, especially in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.2
To reduce inflammation and increase vitamin B6, try consuming foods high in B vitamins, including kale, bell peppers, mushrooms, cantaloupe, tuna, and poultry.
One study found even low doses of folic acid (also known as folate, another B vitamin) supplementation taken daily and for short periods may reduce inflammation.3
Food Sources
Food sources of folate include black-eyed peas, dark leafy greens, asparagus, and liver.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for helping keep the immune system healthy and functioning well. Moreover, research shows vitamin C can get rid of free radicals responsible for causing inflammation.4
Vitamin C, like B vitamins, may also help lower C-reactive protein. Supplements are helpful, but it is always best to try to get vitamin C from your diet.
Food Sources
To get more vitamin C from your diet, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are also loaded with antioxidants that can improve health and potentially lower risk for heart disease and cancers.
Vitamin D
Studies have long-established a connection between low vitamin D and a variety of inflammatory diseases. Further, researchers know that improving vitamin D can help reduce inflammation in the body.6
Vitamin D is naturally produced by the body after exposure to the sun, but not everyone can get all their vitamin D this way. Anyone who suspects their vitamin D levels are low should talk to their healthare provider about testing and supplementation.
Food Sources
The best food sources of vitamin D are fish, egg yolks, organ meats, and foods supplemented with vitamin D, including milk.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin, which means it can reduce inflammation.
Food Sources
Vitamin E is naturally found in nuts and seeds, including almonds and sunflower seeds. Many fruits and vegetables are also rich in vitamin E, including avocado and spinach.
Vitamin K
One report in the journal Metabolism found that vitamin K can reduce inflammatory markers, help with blood clotting, and protect bone health.8 While vitamin K is necessary for bone health, most people do not get enough of it from their diets.
Food Sources
There are two types of vitamin K: Vitamin K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy vegetables, including kale, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage, whereas K2 is found in chicken, liver, and eggs.