Varicose veins, a condition closely related to vein insufficiency, occur when veins near the surface of the skin are damaged. 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. Various supplements are useful for individuals suffer from vein insufficiency and varicose veins.