Restless Legs Syndrome

Health Condition

Restless Legs Syndrome

  • Folic Acid

    People with familial restless leg syndrome appear to have an unusually high requirement for folic acid. Supplementing with folic acid may help relieve uncomfortable sensations.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Folic Acid
    ×
     

    In some people with RLS, the condition may be genetic. People with familial RLS appear to have inherited an unusually high requirement for folic acid. Although not all people with RLS suffer from uncomfortable sensations, folate-deficient people with this condition always do.2 In one report, 45 people were identified to be from families with folic acid-responsive RLS. The amount of folic acid required to relieve their symptoms was extremely large, ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 mcg per day.3 Such amounts should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

  • L-Tryptophan

    Preliminary research has shown some benefit reducing symptoms of restless legs syndrome and the insomnia that often accompanies it.

    Dose:

    1 to 2 grams at bedtime
    L-Tryptophan
    ×
    Since restless legs syndrome is often accompanied by insomnia, and L-tryptophan has been helpful for promoting sleep,4 one investigator treated two patients having both restless legs syndrome and insomnia with 1 to 2 grams of L-tryptophan at bedtime.5 In both cases restless legs symptoms improved as well as insomnia. Controlled research is needed to confirm these findings.

  • Magnesium

    Supplementing with magnesium may help relieve insomnia in people with restless leg syndrome.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Magnesium
    ×
     

    In a preliminary trial, people with period limb movements during sleep (PLMS) or RLS who suffered from insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep efficiency after supplementing with magnesium (about 300 mg each evening for four to six weeks).6

  • Vitamin D

    In one small study, in people with a vitamin D blood level below 20 ng/ml, vitamin D supplementation decreased the severity of restless legs syndrome.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin D
    ×
    In a study of 12 Saudi Arabian adults, the average blood level of vitamin D (measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D) was very low (8.7 ng/ml). In people with a level below 20 ng/ml, vitamin D supplementation decreased the severity of restless legs syndrome by 62%.7 Double-blind trials are needed to confirm this study

  • Vitamin E

    In one study, supplementing with vitamin E produced complete relief in seven out of nine people with restless leg syndrome.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin E
    ×
     

    In a group of nine people with RLS, 300 IU of vitamin E per day produced complete relief in seven.8 Doctors who give vitamin E to people with RLS generally recommend at least 400 IU of vitamin E per day, and the full benefits may not become apparent for three months.9

What Are Star Ratings
×
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

References

1. Kanter AH. The effect of sclerotherapy on restless legs syndrome. Dermatol Surg 1995;21:328-32.

2. Botez MI. Neuropsychological correlates of folic acid deficiency: facts and hypotheses. in: Botez MI, Reynolds EH, eds. Folic Acid in Neurology, Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. New York: Raven Press, 1979.

3. Botez MI. Folate deficiency and neurological disorders in adults. Med Hypotheses 1976;2:135-40.

4. Sandyk R. L-tryptophan in neuropsychiatric disorders: a review. Int J Neurosci 1992;67:127-44 [review].

5. Sandyk R. L-Tryptophan in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. Am J Psychiatry 1986;143:554-5.

6. Hornyak M, Voderholzer U, Hohagen F, et al. Magnesium therapy for periodic leg movements-related insomnia and restless legs syndrome: an open pilot study. Sleep 1998;21:501-5.

7. Wali S, Shukr A, Boudal A, et al. The effect of vitamin D supplements on the severity of restless legs syndrome. Sleep Breath 2015;19:579–83.

8. Ayres S Jr, Mihan R. “Restless legs” syndrome: Response to vitamin E. J Appl Nutr 1973;25:8-15.

9. Ayres S, Mihan R. Leg cramps and “restless leg” syndrome responsive to vitamin E. Calif Med 1969;111:87-91.

10. Roberts HJ. Spontaneous leg cramps and “restless legs” due to diabetogenic hyperinsulinism: observations on 131 patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 1965;13:602-8.

11. Roberts HJ. Spontaneous leg cramps and “restless legs” due to diabetogenic (functional) hyperinsulinism. A basis for rational therapy. JFMA 1973;60:29-31.

12. Lutz EG. Restless legs, anxiety and caffeinism. J Clin Psychiatry 1978;39:693-8.

13. Mountifield JA. Restless leg syndrome relieved by cessation of cigarette smoking. Can Med Assoc J 1985;133:426.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

drug Image
Check Pricing on Drugs Commonly Used to Treat restless legs syndrome:

Select drug name to view medication information and pricing.

Savings
My Profile
Resources
About Us

Copyright 2024

Medical Security Card Company, LLC
All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy Terms Accessibility Statement Do not Sell My Personal Information - for California Residents Only

Log In

You need to log into the site to use this feature

Create A Free Account To Use Medicine Chest

This feature requires registration. Sign up or log in to your free WellRx account to gain access to this and other tools to help make managing your medications and wellness easier.

Benefits Include:

Store & manage your medication list
Medication pricing updates
Import medication from your pharmacy
Medication information
Pill & refill reminders
Medication journal & mood log

Sign up to use Medicine Chest

Sign Up
Log In

Create A Free Account To Use this feature

This feature requires registration. Sign up or log in to your free WellRx account to gain access to this and other tools to help make managing your medications and wellness easier.

Benefits Include:

Store & manage your medication list
Medication pricing updates
Import medication from your pharmacy
Medication information
Pill & refill reminders
Medication journal & mood log

Sign up to use this feature

Sign Up
Log In

You will be redirected to your program in 5 seconds.

Hi there.

Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy have recently been updated.

Learn More


I Accept

By declining you will be logged out of your account

;