One woman out of every three experiences restless legs syndrome, according to a 2009 survey in the "Journal of Women's Health." This neurological disorder involves uncontrolled limb movements persisting throughout sleep and wakefulness. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea, fibromyalgia and lupus can trigger these movements. Pregnant women often experience them as well. Medications can lessen the severity of restless legs syndrome, and supplements may also provide relief. Speak with a doctor before treating this medical condition.
Valerian
Herbalists have used the Valeriana officinalis plant to treat a broad range of ailments. Scientists have shown that valerian protects cells in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease, according to a 2009 report in "Neurochemical Research." The latter finding suggests that the supplement might benefit people with other neurological problems. A 2009 article in "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" looked at the impact of valerian on restless legs syndrome. Patients received the herb or a placebo for two months. Relative to placebo, valerian improved subjective measures of movement severity. The subjects also reported feeling less sleepy following supplement use. Such data are not surprising as valerian is often taken to enhance sleep.
Vitamin B12
The water-soluble vitamin, B12, plays an important role in human health and disease. Vitamin B12 has a complex absorption process making deficiencies common. Symptoms of deficiency include myoclonus, a series of uncontrolled jerks. Infants with low levels of B12 occasionally display such movements, according to a 2001 report in "Pediatric Neurology." Restoring B12 to natural levels usually eliminates these movements. A 2007 paper in "Acta Neurologica Taiwanica" described a similar experience in a patient with restless legs syndrome. A 26-year old woman experienced unwanted movements resulting from the recreational abuse of nitrous oxide. Her B12 levels were slightly low. Taking vitamin B12 supplements initially worsened, and then prevented, the myoclonic movements.
Folate
Another vitamin, B9, may also have a relationship with movement disorders. Often called folate, levels of this vitamin remain low in Parkinson's patients throughout treatment, according to a 2008 report in "Parkinsonism and Related Disorders." Folate levels also correlate well with depression scores, low levels predict high scores. An experiment described in the 2007 volume of "European Neurology" evaluated the impact of B9 intake on 16 patients with restless legs syndrome. All patients showed signs of folate deficiency. Subjects received daily or weekly doses of B9 for at least six months. This treatment reduced movement severity in 15 of the patients. No untoward reactions were caused by folate supplementation.
Iron
A deficiency in iron may contribute to the development of restless legs syndrome as well. According to a 2011 review in the "Journal of Neurological Sciences," iron deficiency can damage chemical transmission in the brain. Correcting this deficiency with iron supplements may protect the brain from this damage and prevent unwanted movements. A study reviewed in the May 2011 edition of "Clinical Nursing Research" tested this hypothesis in patients with restless legs syndrome. About one-third of the subjects had low iron levels. Iron intake improved movement severity in most patients. It also enhanced their sleep and mood. Adding daily iron supplements did not produce side effects in these subjects, but the long-term effects of supplementation remains unknown.
References
- "Journal of Women's Health"; Sleep Breathing Disorders in the U.S. Female Population; Fotis Kapsimalis and Meir Kryger; August 2009
- "Neurochemical Research"; Cytoprotective Effect of Valeriana Officinalis Extract on an In Vitro Experimental Model of Parkinson Disease; Diego Madureira de Oliveria, et al.; February 2009
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Does Valerian Improve Sleepiness and Symptom Severity in People With Restless Legs Syndrome?; Norma G. Cuellar and Sarah J. Ratcliffe; March-April 2009
- "Pediatric Neurology"; Involuntary Movements in Infantile Cobalamin Deficiency Appearing After Treatment; Esra Arun Ozer, et al.; July 2001
- "Acta Neurologica Taiwanica"; Spinal Myoclonus in Subacute Combined Degeneration Caused by Nitrous Oxide Intoxication; Mei-Shian Wu, et al.; June 2007
- "Parkinsonism and Related Disorders"; Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Levodopa-Treated Parkinson's Disease Patients; Nikolaos I. Triantafylloua, et al.; May 2008
