Iron Deficiency & Restless Leg Syndrome: What You Need to Know
If you suspect you might have RLS, it’s important to understand what it is, what causes it, and the best ways to treat it. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Iron Deficiency & Restless Leg Syndrome — from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. We’ll also discuss why the proper iron intake is important for preventing RLS in the first place. So, let’s dive in!
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Do you have the strong and irresistible urge to move your legs, especially when you're trying to fall asleep? Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that you might have. It's a neurological disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, usually accompanied by a strong urge to move them. Symptoms can include crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, aching, itching, and electric sensations.
RLS can be caused by many factors. Low iron levels in the brain and spinal cord may affect the production of dopamine and lead to RLS. Other associated causes include uremia (high levels of toxins in the blood), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands), and depression. RLS can affect people of all ages but is more common as people get older.
For some, RLS causes only mild discomfort. But for others, it has serious implications beyond just sleep deprivation – mood changes (depression or anxiety), exhaustion during the day, problems with concentration and memory recall, as well as decreased productivity at work or school can all be attributed to RLS episodes.
The Link Between Iron Deficiency and RLS
Recent studies suggest that iron deficiency may play a role in the development of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Low ferritin levels in the blood indicate a state of iron deficiency, and consequently, can raise the risk of developing RLS.
Iron is a vital mineral for the body's functioning because it helps carry oxygen to different organs and tissues. Low levels of iron in the brain and spinal cord may affect dopamine production, which is involved with muscle activity control. Without enough dopamine, people with RLS may feel an irresistible urge to move their legs to make themselves more comfortable.
To increase brain iron levels and reduce symptoms associated with RLS, it may be necessary to take iron supplements or receive an iron infusion. If you think you might have RLS or suffer from any symptoms related to iron deficiency, speak with your doctor right away.
What Research Shows About Treatment of RLS With Iron Supplements
Research suggests that treating RLS with iron may be an effective way to ease its symptoms, as long as serum ferritin concentration is below 100 μg/L. Let me explain what this means.
Ferritin concentration is a measure of how much iron is in the body, and when it's lower than 50 mcg/L, studies have shown that taking an iron supplement improved daytime tiredness compared to a placebo. Not only that—iron in pill form has been found to relieve RLS symptoms substantially when the ferritin level is 50 mcg/L or lower.
So if you have RLS and your serum ferritin levels are below 100 μg/L, then your doctor may suggest trying out an iron supplement to improve your symptoms. Keep in mind though that you should only take iron supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional—usually your doctor or a registered nutritionist.
Steps to Improve Iron Levels and Prevent RLS
If you think low iron levels may be causing your RLS, there are several steps you can take to improve your iron levels and prevent RLS.
Diet
A diet containing ingredients that are high in iron is important. Foods like red meat, poultry, leafy greens, eggs, broccoli, and fortified cereals can all contribute to a healthy level of iron intake. Additionally, foods that are high in Vitamin C can help with the absorption of iron; foods such as citrus fruits and bell peppers are high in Vitamin C and make excellent additions to your diet.
Supplements
If your doctor has recommended supplements to improve your iron levels, they can be an effective way of boosting your body's reserves of the mineral. Make sure to get the correct dosage as prescribed by your doctor; too much or too little may lead to other health concerns. Most importantly, it's important to talk with your doctor before starting any dietary supplements and follow their advice closely.
Other measures
It's also a good idea to limit or avoid caffeine as it has been linked with worsening RLS symptoms. Additionally avoiding alcohol and smoking can also help reduce RLS symptoms. Exercise is also a great way to help manage symptoms - not only does it increase dopamine production but it's also beneficial for general health overall - but avoid any activity that will stress the legs too much.
Considerations for Taking Iron Supplements for RLS Treatment
If you’re thinking about taking iron supplements to reduce your RLS symptoms, you should know that iron is better than a placebo for reducing RLS symptoms. Treatment should begin when your ferritin level is 50 mcg/L or lower. If your ferritin level is already at an adequate level, iron supplements may not be necessary – and could even cause side effects or overdose.
It’s also important to note that iron supplementation can produce a significant improvement in RLS symptoms. Studies show that those who are treated with iron typically have lower scores on the International RLS Severity Scale (IRLS), meaning their overall symptoms are reduced significantly after taking the supplement.
However, it's best to speak with your doctor before taking any iron supplement, as they can help you determine the right dosage and monitor any possible side effects or interactions with any medications you’re taking.
Having a Healthy Diet to Help Manage RLS Symptoms
If you’re looking for ways to manage RLS symptoms, one of the best things you can do is to make sure your diet is healthy and balanced. Eating nutritious food helps to ensure your body gets adequate vitamins and minerals, along with enough calories and protein, to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
One of the main vitamins and minerals that’s been linked to RLS is iron, which plays an important role in helping the body produce dopamine – a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement control. Low levels of iron in the body can cause anemia and other related health issues, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of this essential mineral.
Foods Good for Iron Intake
To maintain or increase iron levels in the body, there are several foods you should consider adding to your diet:
Legumes – such as beans, lentils, or peas
Fortified cereals
Red meat/ pork
Leafy green vegetables – such as spinach or broccoli
Fortified bread
Nuts/seeds – such as cashews or pumpkin seeds
Eggs
Prunes and other types of dried fruit.
If you’re having trouble getting enough iron through your diet alone, consider speaking with your doctor about taking a supplement.
Conclusion
All in all, Iron deficiency is a serious condition that can affect many aspects of health and well-being. RLS is a common neurological condition that recent research suggests could be associated with low levels of iron in the body. Iron is essential for the functioning of the body, so it is important to ensure you are consuming enough of it in your diet and engaging in regular blood tests to monitor your iron levels. If you are suffering from RLS and suspect iron deficiency may be its cause then it is important you speak to a medical professional and seeks advice on the best course of action.