Restless Legs Syndrome - Supplements

 
Restless Legs Syndrome
Relax those fidgety legs and put an end to the restlessness. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Balance your blood sugar

    Replace sugar, refined flour, and alcohol in your diet with small, frequent meals containing whole grains, fish, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Cut the caffeine

    Help reduce the severity of RLS by steering clear of coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine

Also indexed as:
  • nocturnal myoclonus,
  • restless leg syndrome,
  • restless legs syndrome,
  • restless legs syndrome (RLS),
  • RLS

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star 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 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.


SupplementAmountWhy
Iron
(Iron-Deficiency Anemia)
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars When iron deficiency is the cause of restless leg syndrome, supplementing with iron may reduce the severity of the symptoms.


2 stars Iron

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

Mild iron deficiency is common, even in people who are not anemic. When iron deficiency is the cause of RLS, supplementation with iron has been reported to reduce the severity of the symptoms. In one trial, 74 mg of iron taken three times a day for two months, reduced symptoms in people with RLS.5 In people who are not deficient in iron, iron supplementation has been reported to not help reduce symptoms of RLS.6 Most people are not iron deficient, and taking too much can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, iron supplements should only be taken by people who have a diagnosed deficiency.


SupplementAmountWhy
Folic Acid
Refer to label instructions 1 star People with familial restless leg syndrome appear to have an unusually high requirement for folic acid. Supplementing with folic acid may help relieve uncomfortable sensations.


1 star Folic Acid

In some people with RLS, the condition may be genetic. People with familial RLS appear to have inherited an unusually high requirement for folic acid. Although not all people with RLS suffer from uncomfortable sensations, folate-deficient people with this condition always do.7 In one report, 45 people were identified to be from families with folic acid-responsive RLS. The amount of folic acid required to relieve their symptoms was extremely large, ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 mcg per day.8 Such amounts should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.


SupplementAmountWhy
L-Tryptophan
1 to 2 grams at bedtime 1 star 

Preliminary research has shown some benefit reducing symptoms of restless legs syndrome and the insomnia that often accompanies it.



1 star L-Tryptophan

1 to 2 grams at bedtime

Since restless legs syndrome is often accompanied by insomnia, and L-tryptophan has been helpful for promoting sleep,9 one investigator treated two patients having both restless legs syndrome and insomnia with 1 to 2 grams of L-tryptophan at bedtime.10 In both cases restless legs symptoms improved as well as insomnia. Controlled research is needed to confirm these findings.

SupplementAmountWhy
Magnesium
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with magnesium may help relieve insomnia in people with restless leg syndrome.


1 star Magnesium

In a preliminary trial, people with period limb movements during sleep (PLMS) or RLS who suffered from insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep efficiency after supplementing with magnesium (about 300 mg each evening for four to six weeks).11


SupplementAmountWhy
Vitamin E
Refer to label instructions 1 star In one study, supplementing with vitamin E produced complete relief in seven out of nine people with restless leg syndrome.


1 star Vitamin E

In a group of nine people with RLS, 300 IU of vitamin E per day produced complete relief in seven.12 Doctors who give vitamin E to people with RLS generally recommend at least 400 IU of vitamin E per day, and the full benefits may not become apparent for three months.13


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 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 June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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