Restless leg syndrome is a condition in which the legs feel uncomfortable while a person is sitting or lying down. For most people, it manifests as a tingling, aching or crawling sensation in both legs, which then causes an overwhelming urge to move them. Once up and around, the feeling quickly goes away, only to return once your legs are at rest again. A number of treatments are available to relieve symptoms, but potassium isn't one of them. Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other vitamin to improve restless leg syndrome.
Dosage
Adults need 2,000 mg of potassium each day. Like any other vitamin or mineral, it's always best to get potassium through your diet. Bananas, cantaloupes, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, cod and salmon are all good sources of this nutrient. If you're unable to meet your need, you can always turn to a dietary supplement. Talk to your doctor to determine if supplemental potassium is right for you.
Deficiency
Potassium is linked to muscle cramps more so than restless leg syndrome. Once ingested, this nutrients acts as an electrolyte in the body, helping carry electrical impulses throughout the body. Potassium is essential to the function of your muscles. With a deficiency, you may begin to experience muscle weakness or muscle cramps, but you aren't likely to experience restless leg syndrome. If a deficiency is to blame for restless leg syndrome, it's often iron, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Warning
As with most supplements, potassium isn't without its own set of side effects. Some people taking this nutrient can experience nausea, diarrhea and stomach irritation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Higher doses, however, can cause more serious complications, such as irregular heartbeat, slowed heart rate and muscle weakness. You should avoid taking supplemental potassium when on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, cyclosporine, heparin or trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole. When combined with potassium, these medications can increase serum potassium levels.
Treatment
Treatment is influenced by the cause of restless leg syndrome. Iron deficiencies can be treated with iron supplements, which may help to alleviate symptoms. Other medical conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure or Parkinson's disease, are treated differently. Consult your doctor to determine the cause of the condition and the appropriate form of treatment.
