Minerals >> Iron & Disease Treatment

Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic movement disorder that is often associated with sleep problems. People with RLS experience unpleasant sensations resulting in an irresistible urge to move their legs. These sensations are more common at rest and often interfere with sleep. RLS occurs in some people with iron deficiency and some RLS patients benefit from iron supplementation. Recently, ferritin levels were found to be lower and transferrin levels higher in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with RLS, suggesting that low brain iron concentrations may play a role in RLS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of brain iron concentrations also indicate that iron insufficiency in certain regions of the brain may occur in patients with RLS. The mechanism by which low brain iron concentration contributes to RLS is not known, but may be related to the fact that the activity of an iron-dependent enzyme (tyrosine hydroxylase) is a limiting factor in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, dopamine.

See also:

• Iron: essential component of proteins and enzymes

• Iron Deficiency: Individuals with chronic blood loss

• Iron & Disease Prevention: Pregnancy complications, immune function

• Iron & Disease Treatment: Restless legs syndrome

• Iron Functions: Oxygen Transport, Energy Metabolism

• Iron: Nutrient interactions

• Iron Overload

• Iron Sources & Supplements

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