Magnesium plays an important role in normal muscle function and getting adequate magnesium may help calm both body and mind. Magnesium is often suggested for Restless Legs Syndrome based on anecdotal reports that it provides relief from the symptoms.
This indicates that magnesium oxide is more beneficial than B6 for treating RLS/WED (Table 2).
Magnesium supplementation is often suggested for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or period limb movement disorder (PLMD) based on anecdotal evidence that it relieves symptoms and because it is also commonly recommended for leg cramps.
RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19-51+ years is 400-420 mg daily for men and 310-320 mg for women. Pregnancy requires about 350-360 mg daily and lactation, 310-320 mg. UL: The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects on health.
Symptoms of low magnesium levels include muscle weakness and cramps – potentially putting you at risk of injury. Magnesium also helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactic acid, which can build up after exercising, leaving your body sore and uncomfortable.
have iron deficiency anaemia – low levels of iron in the blood can lead to a fall in dopamine, triggering restless legs syndrome.
Studies suggest that vitamins C, D, and E may help people experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS). People with RLS experience unpleasant sensations in the legs with the irresistible urge to move them.
A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Magnesium
While magnesium is not an important mineral in relation to RLS, it is an important mineral for several other body functions. Most people's bodies make sure magnesium levels are adequate, and they do not need supplements.
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
How long does it take for magnesium to work for sleep? The benefits of magnesium are often associated with long-term use, so it's important to take your supplement consistently. We recommend daily use for at least three months to see the full effects on sleep.
Restless legs menopause
These can include tingling, pins and needles and the feeling of something crawling all over you. The medical term for this is paraesthesia and there is considerable overlap between these conditions, with many women suffering from both.
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
Another B vitamin, B12, has also been directly linked to RLS, according to Dr. Anderson. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. Ask your doctor if you might benefit from more.
The top three foods to avoid are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods. Additionally, you will also want to avoid any foods or beverages that contain caffeine, since this can stimulate your nerves and make your symptoms more severe. These include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.
Fluctuating hormones may provoke RLS. Women who are pregnant or going through menopause, 2 conditions causing big changes in estrogen and iron, have high rates of RLS. In fact, RLS in pregnancy often starts in the third trimester. This is the trimester when estrogen levels are highest and iron is lowest.
How Much Magnesium for Menopause? Magnesium is found in food sources such as spinach, nuts and beans. However, many may not be able to intake enough magnesium for menopause from their diet alone. According to the NHS, women need approximately 270 mg of magnesium per day, from the ages 19 to 64.
It can be particularly effective during the menopause by supporting both both heart and bone health. It can also help with menopausal insomnia and other symptoms such as low mood. Yet, surprisingly, adult women do not get enough magnesium from their diet: we need approx 300mg a day (see food sources below).