Doctors use the abbreviation RLS for the neurologic movement disorder restless legs syndrome. Patients with RLS experience uncomfortable sensations in their legs that they describe as gnawing, burning, itchy, crawling, creeping, pulling, tugging or even painful. These sensations cause an irresistible urge to move that often results in sleep disruptions, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. RLS can occur as a result of nutritional deficiencies. In these cases, taking certain vitamins and minerals can help ease the symptoms of RLS.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, the synthetic form of the nutrient folate, belongs to the group of B vitamins. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid supports essential functions in the body such as the production of healthy red blood cells and the formation of DNA, or deoxyribose nucleic acid, and RNA, or ribonucleic acid, both required for the development of new cells. The recommended daily intake of folic acid for an adult ranges from 400mcg to 600mcg, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Adults who fail to consume enough folate from dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and dried beans and peas may suffer from symptoms of a deficiency. These symptoms may include weakness, irritability, a loss of appetite and the onset or worsening of RLS. Taking folic acid supplements may therefore help ease the symptoms of RLS, according to MayoClinic.com.
Magnesium
The human body requires magnesium, an essential mineral, for muscle function, heart function and kidney function. Although most people in the United States fail to consume enough magnesium through dietary sources, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, few become truly deficient. Magnesium deficiency most often occurs as a result of another medical condition, such as viral infections or gastrointestinal diseases, disrupting the balance of salts in the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include anxiety, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, irritability, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, muscle spasms and weakness. Taking oral magnesium supplements can help adults receive the daily recommended intake, which ranges from 270mg to 400mg per day.
Iron
Iron, also classified as an essential mineral, helps the body produce many proteins, including the protein hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body. An iron deficiency leads to anemia--a low level of healthy red blood cells. The lack of circulating oxygen that occurs with iron deficiency anemia causes a variety of symptoms including fatigue, headache, cold hands and feet, pale skin and brittle nails. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute confirms that iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms of RLS. To ease these symptoms, doctors recommend taking iron supplements to boost the level of iron in the blood quickly, as described by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Because too much iron can be harmful, only take supplements under the supervision of a health care provider. In addition to taking supplements, eating foods rich in iron such as spinach, peanuts, eggs, peas and dried fruits may help ease the symptoms of RLS.
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