Restless legs syndrome is a common problem that can interfere with sleep and cause muscle pain and discomfort. Causes include pregnancy, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, side effects of some medications, and nutrient deficiencies of such vitamins as B-12. This essential water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin, is important for several body functions, including energy metabolism and production of red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 is may also help relieve muscle tremors that occur with restless legs syndrome. There are several ways to ensure that you get adequate amounts of vitamin B-12.
Step 1
Take a 1,000 mcg B-12 supplement per day. This dosage is recommended if you are deficient in this vitamin, as determined by your doctor. Once your B-12 levels are adequate, the daily recommended dose to maintain levels of this nutrient are 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 for individuals over the age of 14. Pregnant women should take 2.6 mcg daily, and breast-feeding women are advised to take 2.8 mcg of a vitamin B-12 supplement every day.
Step 2
Apply vitamin B-12 nasal spray to receive your necessary dosage of vitamin B-12. Take one dose as recommended by your doctor by spraying directly into the nostril as instructed on the product label. The nasal spray contains this vitamin in the synthetic form of cyanocobalamin. Each spray bottle contains a total of 2.3 ml, which is equivalent to 8 doses with 500 mcg of vitamin B-12 per spray. The doses for vitamin B-12 oral tablets and nasal sprays are higher than injectable doses because only a portion reaches the bloodstream.
Step 3
Get a vitamin B-12 injection at your doctor's office. A vitamin B-12 injection is typically prescribed every two weeks to one month, or as recommended by your doctor. An injection of this nutrient may be necessary if you are diagnosed with pernicious anemia or a gastrointestinal disorder that affects your ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from food. A smaller dose of vitamin B-12 is needed in injections because it goes directly into the bloodstream.
Step 4
Eat foods rich in vitamin B-12. These include dairy products, meat, fish and shellfish. Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin that must be ingested every day as part of a balanced diet because you can't store it in your body. However, if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, you may need to supplement a balanced diet with other forms of this vitamin.
Tips and Warnings
- See your doctor regarding a diagnosis if you suffer from restless legs syndrome. You can help treat this disorder by avoiding caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and by taking certain medications. A doctor can determine whether a vitamin B-12 deficiency is the cause of your symptoms.
- Supplementing vitamin B-12 in any form is generally safe in amounts that do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance. If you are allergic to cobalamin or cobalt, do not take vitamin B-12 and consult your doctor about other options to receive adequate nutrient amounts. Patients who have undergone an angioplasty, coronary stent and other heart procedures should not take vitamin B-12 unless their doctor advises them to do so.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin B-12 supplements
- Vitamin B-12 nasal spray
- Vitamin B-12 injection
