Low iron can be the main cause of RLS symptoms, Dr. Label says. “If your ferritin [the protein that stores the body's iron] level isn't above 50 nanograms per milliliter, it's not high enough,” Dr.
Conclusion: This study indicates that vitamin D supplementation improves the severity of RLS symptoms and advocates that vitamin D deficiency is conceivably associated with RLS.
have iron deficiency anaemia (low levels of iron in the blood can lead to a fall in dopamine, triggering restless legs syndrome)
In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown (called primary RLS). However, RLS has a genetic component and can be found in families where the onset of symptoms is before age 40. Specific gene variants have been associated with RLS. Evidence indicates that low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS.
A 2014 study found that vitamin D supplements reduced RLS symptoms in people with RLS and vitamin D deficiency ( 9 ). And for people on hemodialysis, vitamins C and E supplements may help relieve RLS symptoms (4, 10 ). Supplementation with iron or vitamins D, C, or E can help certain people with RLS.
An older study found that magnesium treatments provided relief as an alternative therapy for patients with mild or moderate RLS. Getting more magnesium is an extremely effective treatment for RLS when magnesium deficiency is a contributing factor to the condition.
Does Restless Legs Syndrome Ever Go Away by Itself? There are some cases of restless legs syndrome disappearing on its own. But this is rare. Instead, for most people symptoms get worse over time.
Many people with RLS find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Severe RLS can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression. Insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but RLS may interfere with napping.
Boost your B vitamin intake
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.
Background and aims: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), restless legs syndrome (RLS) may occur as an extraintestinal disease manifestation. Iron deficiency (ID) or folate deficiency/vitamin B12 deficiency (FD/VB12D) has previously been described to cause RLS.
For adults, 400 mg daily is usually safe. If you are using magnesium to help with sleep, you may want to take this before bedtime. For some people, magnesium may be stimulating rather than calming. In this case, you should take magnesium in the morning.
A number of medications can make RLS worse. In particular, anti-nausea drugs and sedating antihistamines (like Benadryl) block the brain's dopamine receptors, causing restless legs symptoms. Antidepressants that increase serotonin and antipsychotic medications can also aggravate the condition.
Does having RLS increase the risk of developing PD? Since RLS affects as much as 4-10% of the US adult population, it is clear that the vast majority of those with RLS do not ever develop PD. Despite this, it still might be the case that RLS increases the risk of subsequently developing PD.
RLS is both a sleep and a neurological sensory disorder. Treatment is directed toward symptom relief.
The cause of restless legs syndrome in most cases is unknown. Research shows that affected people often have too little or malfunctioning iron in the brain. “We also know that there's some problem with the dopamine system, and patients often have a good response to dopamine medicine,” says Allen.
No natural or over-the-counter (OTC) medications consistently improve RLS. OTC sleeping medicines such as Benadryl (an antihistamine) and melatonin may actually worsen symptoms.
Chinese herbal medicine Radix Paeoniae Alba is one of the most commonly used Chinese medicines for the treatment of RLS.
Therefore, magnesium supplements can be taken at any time of the day, as long as you're able to take them consistently. For some, taking supplements first thing in the morning may be easiest, while others may find that taking them with dinner or just before bed works well for them.
Although many people use magnesium for sleep support, it isn't known to cause tiredness during the day. However, if you want to maximize the benefits for better sleep, it's best to take your magnesium supplement an hour or two before bedtime.
If you're trying to combat leg cramps or even just relax before bed, one of my favorite forms is magnesium glycinate. It's highly absorbed and well tolerated without producing a laxative effect.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
a pale yellow tinge to your skin. a sore and red tongue (glossitis) mouth ulcers. pins and needles (paraesthesia)
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well. Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Treatment may include vitamin B12 supplements.