Medically reviewed by Valerie Cutcho, MD
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological (brain-related) condition that causes discomfort in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. The symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) worsen at night, which can cause significant sleep disturbances.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for restless legs syndrome, but treatment can help better manage the condition. Early research suggests that restless legs syndrome may be related to certain vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamins B, C, D, and E. Experts suggest that taking vitamin supplements may help improve some symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Remember: You should always talk to your healthcare provider to find out if supplements are right for you before you start taking them.
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome can greatly affect sleep, making it very difficult to fall asleep or go back to sleep after waking up. Walking or moving your legs may temporarily relieve discomfort, but leg discomfort may return when you stop moving.
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome usually appear in the afternoon or evening and are worse at night. Some common symptoms of the condition include:
Unpleasant sensations in your legs.
Worsening of symptoms during rest or sleep.
Relieve symptoms by moving your legs.
Changes in sleep quality.
Concentration problems
Low productivity levels
Mood swings or depression
Daytime sleepiness
The frequency and severity of symptoms vary from person to person. People with mild RLS may experience symptoms once or twice a week, while people with severe cases of RLS may experience symptoms every night.
Vitamin B
Research suggests that B vitamins may play an important role in restless legs syndrome. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause restless legs syndrome, while a vitamin B6 deficiency can cause more severe symptoms. However, taking vitamin B6 and B12 supplements may help offset some symptoms.
You can also include more B vitamins in your diet. For example, vitamin B12 is found in foods such as eggs, fish, and milk, while starchy vegetables, non-citrus fruits, and fortified cereals contain vitamin B6.
B vitamins also have their own set of benefits, including:
Vitamin B6 | B12 vitamin |
It enhances sleep quality. | Supports nerve function, which can limit involuntary leg movements. |
It increases dopamine levels in the brain, which can help reduce muscle spasms. | It helps improve blood circulation, which reduces leg pain. |
But, like medications, vitamins also have side effects. That's why it's very important to talk to your healthcare provider and know the risks before you start using nutritional supplements.
Vitamin B12 is generally safe because your body does not store excessive amounts of the vitamin. But vitamin B12 can sometimes interact with other medications you are taking, such as Zantac (ranitidine) or Prilosec (omeprazole).
Like vitamin B12, vitamin B6 can also interact with other medications. These may include epitol (carbamazepine) and asthma medications, such as anti-seizure medications such as elixophylline (theophylline). Taking too many vitamin B6 supplements can sometimes cause nausea, heartburn, or sensitivity to light.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can cause a dopamine imbalance, which can be associated with the development of restless legs syndrome. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (the brain's chemical messenger) that controls sensory and motor functions. Changes in dopamine levels can cause abnormal or involuntary movements, which can increase the risk of restless legs syndrome.
Early research suggests that adding more vitamin D to your diet or taking it as a vitamin supplement may help improve the severity of restless legs syndrome symptoms. However, more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of vitamin D in treating restless legs syndrome.
Current research shows that vitamin D can improve the symptoms of restless legs syndrome:
Maintain bone health
Improves muscle movement.
Protects nerve function and limits involuntary movements.
But taking more vitamin D than you need can cause side effects, such as:
If your healthcare provider thinks vitamin D may be a good option for you, he or she may prescribe vitamin D supplements. You can also find vitamin D naturally in foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt, and fish. Spending time in the sun also increases vitamin D levels, but it's important to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure to protect your skin.
Vitamins C and E
People with chronic kidney disease have a higher risk of developing restless legs syndrome (RLS). Some research suggests that taking vitamins C and E together may improve severe symptoms of restless legs syndrome caused by kidney disease.
Vitamins C and E help the body fight cellular damage. But they have their own unique advantages. This includes:
Vitamins C | Vitamin E |
It enhances sleep quality. | It helps expand blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clots in the legs. |
It participates in the production of collagen, which can help reduce inflammation. | Supports brain health and overall immunity. |
Side effects can also occur when taking high doses of vitamin C and E. Taking too much vitamin C can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. But taking too many vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and prostate cancer at birth in some men. Research also shows that vitamins C and E may interact with drugs that help lower cholesterol and reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Other treatments
Currently, there is no cure for restless legs syndrome. In addition to vitamins, other treatment options may help improve your condition. While your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of vitamins, medications, and home remedies.
Drugs
Some medications can help relieve the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. This includes:
Anti-seizure medications: Anti-seizure medications are the first line of treatment for people with restless legs syndrome. The most common are Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) and Lyrica (pregabalin).
Dopamine medications: These medications help increase dopamine levels in the brain, which reduces the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Mirapex (pramipexole), Neupro (rotigotine), and Requip (ropinirole) are the three dopaminergic medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe restless legs syndrome.
Benzodiazepines: To help reduce muscle spasms, insomnia, or anxiety associated with restless legs syndrome, your healthcare provider may recommend benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants). The most common medications in this class of medications are Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam).
Opioids: Health care providers recommend opioids only for people with severe restless legs syndrome who do not respond well to other medications. Codeine and methadone, sold under different brand names, are two common opioids that your provider may prescribe to improve your condition.
Farm
Your provider may recommend some home treatments to manage mild to moderate RLS symptoms. Home care advice may include:
Leg stretch
Get regular light exercise (such as walking).
Respect the sleep schedule
Avoid the use of nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.
Foot massage
take hot baths
Use leg warmers or compression stockings designed specifically for people with restless legs syndrome.
Apply ice packs or thermal bags to your legs.
Quick review
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes leg discomfort and an urgent desire to move. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms worsen at night or during rest, and movements become less or less temporary. Restless legs syndrome also greatly affects the quality of your sleep. There is no cure for restless legs syndrome, but there are several treatment methods available to relieve symptoms.
Early research suggests that a deficiency of certain vitamins may contribute to the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Therefore, taking vitamins B6, B12, C, D or E can play an important role in improving your condition. But before adding vitamin supplements to your treatment plan or changing your diet, talk to your healthcare provider to see if increasing your vitamin intake is appropriate.
For more news from Health.com, sign up for our newsletter.
Read the original article on Health.com.