A nerve condition causes restless leg syndrome or Willis-Ekbom disease. The person experiences uncomfortable sensations in their legs and has a compulsion to continually move their legs. It usually happens when you are resting and at night time. Movements ease the uncomfortable feeling, but the sensation returns immediately on stopping movement. It is upsetting and debilitating and can lead to sleep loss and anxiety. It affects up to 10% of people and is much more common in women than men.

 

 

 

Iron Deficiency

 

While the exact cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown, there is a direct link between its occurrence and a deficiency in this mineral. This may explain why it sometimes occurs during pregnancy.

 

Increasing your intake of iron-rich foods such as meat (especially liver), fish, poultry, dark leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains nuts & seeds, appears to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

 

Combining these nutritious foods with sources of Vitamin C has an even more profound effect. This is because Vitamin C increases the body's ability to absorb this mineral from food. Excessive consumption of Iron can lead to toxicity, so some care is required when increasing your intake.

 

 

 

 

Magnesium Deficiency

 

There is limited research that shows that a deficiency in this mineral can lead to restless leg syndrome. Other symptoms of this deficiency include muscle cramps, tiredness, osteoporosis, and irregular heartbeat. Some of these symptoms have a logical link with restless leg syndrome.

 

It is a naturally occurring essential mineral. It is involved in regulating how nerves and muscles work in our body and are essential for a robust immune system.

 

A deficiency in this mineral leads to irregularities in nerve impulses & muscle contractions (cramping). As magnesium relaxes muscles by blocking the effect of calcium, it is of use in muscle and nerve conditions such as restless leg syndrome where these pathways are overactive.

 

It can be found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts and seeds.

 

 

Always seek medical advice from your pharmacist if you suffer from Restless leg syndrome. There are many prescription medicine options available for the treatment of restless leg syndrome which can be used in conjunction with vitamin supplements.

 

 

 

 

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

 

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

 

 

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