Leg pain has multiple causes, from the benign and occasional muscle cramp to irreversible nerve damage as occurs in advanced diabetes. The two most common causes of leg pain are leg cramps, which affect as much as 95 percent of the population, and a condition known as restless legs syndrome, or RLS. Because nutrient deficiencies may be involved in both conditions, treatment with certain vitamins may offer some relief. Before starting new treatment, ask your doctor.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant that protects your body from free radical-induced damage. The recommended dietary allowance for adults is 15 mg/d, equivalent to 22.5 IU, or international units. At a dose of 800 IU/d, vitamin E may be helpful in the treatment of leg cramps, according to "The Family Medicine Handbook." Food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts and spinach, but to achieve 800 IU/d, supplementation is required. Ask your doctor.
Vitamin B-1
Restless leg syndrome is characterized by restlessness and abnormal sensations including pain which leads to an irresistible urge to move the limbs, and it may be caused by iron-deficiency and by peripheral neuropathy, or damage to nerve fibers. Deficiencies of vitamin B-1 are associated with peripheral neuropathy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin B-1 is also called thiamine. Adults should aim for about 1 mg/d. Sources include lentils, peas and whole grains.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also cause peripheral neuropathy, which can manifest as leg pain. Because significant amounts of vitamin B-12 are stored in the body, it may take years for symptoms of deficiency to develop. As vitamin B-12 is present exclusively in animal foods, such as liver, milk, eggs and fish, deficiencies can develop if you are a long-term vegan, and you should consider supplementation. The recommended dietary amount is 2.4 micrograms per day.
References
- "University of Iowa Family Medicine Handbook, 5th edition"; Mark A. Graber, M.D. et al; 2006.
- Mayo Clinic: Peripheral neuropathy
- Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: Vitamin E
- Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: Thiamin
- Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: Vitamin B-12
