Miracon Science

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Micronutrient therapy

The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and the iron status
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects about 10% of the population in Austria, distinguishing between primary (idiopathic) and secondary RLS. In contrast to genetically caused primary RLS, secondary RLS is often caused by a lack of micronutrients. If no causal diseases, such as renal failure, Parkinson's disease or hyper/hypothyroidism are known in secondary RLS, a iron deficiency is the most likely cause. This is also the possible reason why RLS symptoms can occur during pregnancy and disappear again after the birth of the child. Therefore it is recommended to always determine the iron status of secondary RLS, in particular the value of the iron storage protein ferritin, in order to compensate for a deficiency by an additional supply of iron if necessary. With regard to RLS, the ferritin value, which is still in the lower normal range, can already become a problem and therefore a ferritin value in blood serum of 45 µg/ml is recommended.
 
RLS and B12/Folic Acid
One Vitamin-B12- and folic acid deficiency can also cause RLS symptoms, which is why a dose of vitamin B12 and folic acid should be considered if RLS symptoms occur.
 
RLS and L-Tyrosine
Therapeutic measures for mild and occasional RLS complaints include an increase in dopamine levels. This is possible apart from drug treatment by increased intake of L-tyrosine.
 
RLS und Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol may also represent an interesting approach in the treatment of RLS due to its positive effect on improving microcirculation. In one study, daily administration of the pine bark extract in addition to standard treatment led to a significant improvement in subjects' RLS-specific symptoms with a reduced need for analgesics after four weeks.
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