What Vitamins Help Restless Leg Syndrome?

If you experience tingling, crawling, or burning sensations and a constant urge to move your legs, especially at night, you may have Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Without a specific cause, it can be frustrating and difficult to find relief. 

So, if you have ever wondered: what vitamins help Restless Leg Syndrome? You have come to the right place. In this article, we will cover the potential causes and natural remedies for this elusive condition so you can find natural relief fast, without side effects. 

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED), is a condition that causes an urge to move the legs. It is commonly referred to as a neurological and/or anxiety disorder that disrupts sleep, affecting more women than men. 

Symptoms of RLS

The symptoms of RLS typically include:

Uncomfortable Sensations in the Legs: A creeping, crawling, tingling, or itching feeling, often described as an urge to move the legs.

Worsening at Rest: The sensations are usually more intense when sitting or lying down, especially in the evening or at night.

Relief with Movement: Moving the legs, stretching, or walking temporarily relieves the discomfort.

Difficulty Sleeping: RLS often disrupts sleep due to the nighttime discomfort, leading to fatigue and sleep deprivation.

Occasional Involuntary Movements: Some people may experience leg twitching or jerking during sleep, known as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

Why is Managing Restless Leg Syndrome Important?

Restless Leg Syndrome can disrupt sleep, causing sleep deficiency and depression. Managing RLS can improve quality of life and mental health in those who struggle by helping them sleep throughout the night.

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

While the exact cause remains unclear, RLS may occur as a result of pregnancy, genetics, or dopamine imbalance. RLS that occurs during pregnancy there may be caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency. 

Who is Most Likely to Get Restless Leg Syndrome?

You are most likely to get RLS if you have any of the following risk factors

  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Anxiety
  • Iron deficiency
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Kidney disease
  • Dopaminergic medications

What are Natural Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Addressing symptoms with diet and lifestyle modifications are key to managing RLS symptoms. Certain nutrients have been found to correlate with improvements in RLS symptoms more than others. 

6 Best Nutrients for Restless Leg Syndrome

Research on the effect of dietary supplements on RLS suggests various nutrients may help resolve symptoms. See more details on which nutrients below, and consider taking a supplement if you know your levels and want to find natural relief. 

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin B12 may have an association with RLS according to a 2022 study. Symptoms improved in those with low B12 after administration, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. 

Magnesium

A study on the supplementation of magnesium with vitamin B6 led researchers to conclude the combination may improve RLS symptoms. People with RLS had lower levels of both magnesium and vitamin B6 prior to the study and had better sleep quality after. Both play a role in muscle movement and relaxation, as well as healthy nervous system function.

Vitamin C and E

Both vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help repair damaged tissues. Vitamin C boosts iron absorption and can improve dopamine synthesis in the brain, potentially working to reduce symptoms in more ways than one. Those who took vitamin C and E together had greater improvements in symptoms.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to RLS, though it’s not a direct cause. Not getting enough vitamin D may contribute to muscle and nerve dysfunction, potentially worsening RLS symptoms.

Iron

The most commonly cited deficiency associated with RLS is iron. Iron is needed for the synthesis of certain dopamine precursors in the brain, therefore if iron is low it can predispose one to RLS.

Try These Supplements for Restless Leg Syndrome

Professional Botanicals Ultimate Vita-Min

A well-rounded multivitamin might be all you need to improve your RLS. Professional Botanicals Ultimate Vita-Min offers a unique formula that includes all 60 vitamins (including vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D,  vitamin E and magnesium), enzymes, herbs and minerals with additional support from herbs and amino acids. This antioxidant-rich formula will ensure you get the nutrients you need to protect your cells, and best of all it is gluten-free and non-GMO. 

Hyland’s Restful Legs Homeopathic

If you often reach for homeopathic remedies when searching for relief, you might consider Hyland’s Restful Legs Homeopathic. This all-natural tablet contains a variety of remedies that helps relax the nerves and muscles without side effects.

Vinco Leg Tranq

Magnesium offers no shortage of health benefits, including for RLS. The Vinco Leg Tranq is a magnesium blend containing bisglycinate and oxide chelates and provides 126 mg per single pill. This formula is free of wheat, gluten, corn, dairy, soy, and yeast.

Irwin Naturals Love My Legs Vein + Circulation

Designed for vascular support, Irwin Naturals Love My Legs Vein + Circulation contains citrus compounds rich in vitamin C, flaxseed oil, and gotu kola to promote vascular integrity. This formula is rich in antioxidants, offering protection against oxidative stress that can alleviate discomfort in the legs.

Conclusion

Restless Leg Syndrome is a movement disorder of the nervous system that has no one specific cause. Pregnancy and genetics play a role in the development of RLS, and nutritional deficiencies are often found in those experiencing symptoms. Ensuring you get adequate vitamin and mineral intake through a balanced diet and lowering stress levels are key to managing symptoms. Dietary supplements offer a natural remedy for RLS when changes in diet are not enough to find relief. 

FAQ

Is there a cure for Restless Leg Syndrome?

No, there is no cure, but eating a balanced diet and using lifestyle techniques to manage stress level is the first line of defense against symptoms. 

Is Restless Leg Syndrome genetic?

Yes, it is possible to inherit Restless Leg Syndrome. It can occur at any age and is more likely to be genetic when it occurs at an earlier age. 

What is mistaken for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Anxiety is commonly mistaken for RLS. The feelings of stress, overwhelm, and agitation that come with anxiety can cause feelings of jitters and increase the urge to move.