Restless leg syndrome, a neurologic condition, causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs that patients describe as creeping, tingling, burning, crawling, cramping, tugging, gnawing, itchy or painful. These sensations trigger the irresistible urge to move and, because they become more pronounced at night, they can interfere with sleep. Secondary restless leg syndrome, caused by another condition, can occur due to nutritional deficiencies. Taking supplements to treat these deficiencies can help relieve the symptoms of restless legs.
Iron
The human body requires iron for the production of proteins, the regulation of cell growth and the transport of oxygen. Iron deficiency causes anemia -- a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells. An iron deficiency can occur due to a low dietary intake of iron, inadequate absorption or excessive blood loss. Although many foods provide iron, those with a deficiency may benefit from taking supplements to relieve the deficiency and therefore the symptoms caused by restless legs. Iron supplements contain one of two types of iron: ferrous or ferric. Most iron supplements contain ferrous iron salts because they provide the best absorption, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. To prevent deficiencies and related conditions such as restless leg syndrome, men should take 8 mg of iron per day, and women, 18 mg per day.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate also known as vitamin B-9, aids in the production and maintenance of new cells. Folate also helps produce healthy red blood cells. A folate deficiency can cause anemia in adults, which may be accompanied by digestive disorders, weight loss, weakness, headache, heart palpitations, irritability and forgetfulness. The Institute for Traditional Medicine reports that a low level of folate may also contribute to restless legs. To meet the recommended 400 to 600 mcg per day, patients may choose to take folic acid supplements. Increasing the levels of folate in the body may relieve symptoms of restless legs and can alleviate the other symptoms common to deficiency.
Magnesium
The body uses magnesium to help with muscle and nerve function, the production of proteins and the transport of energy. Although rare, according to MedLine Plus, a magnesium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, sleepiness, hyperexcitability, confusion, insomnia and muscle twitching. A severe deficiency may cause numbness and tingling, continued muscle contractions and delirium with hallucinations. Taking a magnesium supplement may help to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate restless leg syndrome, according to an article printed in "Sleep." Oral magnesium supplements contain magnesium mixed with a salt, such as magnesium oxide or magnesium carbonate. Taking supplements can help adults meet the recommended daily intake of 310 mg and 400 mg per day.
References
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- Institute for Traditional Medicine: Restless Leg Syndrome and Chinese Medicine
- MedLine Plus: Magnesium in Diet
- "Sleep"; Magnesium Therapy for Periodic Leg Movements-Related Insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome -- An Open Pilot Study; Aug 1998
