Natural Supplements for Restless Leg Syndrome

Recently it has been established that restless leg syndrome (RLS) is found more often in people with end stage kidney disease, pregnancy and in blood donors, all of whom are at risk for having low Iron levels in their blood. 

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological sleep disorder that affects people, mainly at night. People present with sensations in their legs that prevents them from stopping their legs moving. In some cases, sensations similar to that of electric shocks have been reported. Other sensations have been described as pins and needles or creepy, crawly sensations. It is similar to the sensation of ants crawling around in one's pants. Sufferers try anything to relieve symptoms like walking or rubbing their legs on the sheets. The only thing that does not happen is sleep. 

Even during the daytime, it can be difficult to sit still. Going to the movies can be quite frustrating. Initially it was believed that two to five percent of people suffer from restless leg syndrome. However, now it is believed to be closer to ten percent of the population that suffers from restless leg syndrome. It has been discovered that this is more prevalent in older people than was previously the case. It is now becoming acknowledged as a severe medical condition. 

The root causes of restless leg syndrome are unknown. It seems to be hereditary. In days gone by, it was thought to be growing pains in children. Or cramps in pregnant women. As people age, it worsens. 

A school of thought links restless leg syndrome with a brain problem related to dopamine. This neurotransmitter connects to movement. It is felt that even small amounts of drugs that contain dopamine can give symptomatic relief in patients. 

As mentioned earlier this has been found in people that have low iron levels. It is also believed to be linked to low levels of folate. As both of these are needed for the function of the brain and peripheral nerve tissues. It does not mean that these deficiencies cause restless leg syndrome, but rather they exacerbate the condition. While these levels may be restored to normal, other treatment may be required for the condition to be controlled. 

Back in 1960, it was discovered that one in four patients with restless leg syndrome had iron-deficient anemia. Once these people had been treated for the anemia, the restless leg syndrome settled down as well. Much later at the Royal Liverpool Hospital in England, researchers did some study on this matter. Thirty-five elderly patients were given 200 mg of iron three times daily for sixty days. The patients were not told that they could expect relief from their symptoms. After this, about twelve people of the group reported significant reduction in symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Although symptoms were not completely gone, these patients no longer needed therapy for the condition. 

It may also be that leg cramps are experienced. Levels of magnesium, calcium and potassium would then need to be checked. All of these minerals are instrumental in the body's ability to relax and contract muscles. The correct levels of these will alleviate the cramps. A Romanian study has revealed that magnesium is helpful with restless leg syndrome. The suggested daily dose of this is four hundred milligrams. The majority of people do not get anything near this. 


Studies have also revealed that people with insomnia often have low levels of magnesium in their bodies. Mineral supplementation is very beneficial for people with restless leg syndrome. Colloidal supplements are not as good is ionic as ionic are water-soluble and people get one hundred percent of the benefits of minerals in this form. With colloidal mineral supplementation this figure is only between twenty and forty percent. Based on the information above it is clear that magnesium and iron in ionic format must produce positive results in people suffering from restless leg syndrome.