Re: Restless Leg Syndrome - role of iron and folate

[Guest guest]

Altern Med Rev. 2007 Jun;12(2):101-112.

Restless legs syndrome: pathophysiology and the role of iron and

folate.

LR.

Bastyr University graduate 1984; Private practice, Durango, CO;

Faculty, postgraduate Certification Course in Environmental

Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine; Contributing

Editor, Alternative Medicine Review; Physician-member, Hepatitis C

Ambassadors Team. Correspondence address: 117 CR 250 Suite A,

Durango, CO 81301.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common movement disorder

characterized by a circadian variation in symptoms involving an urge

to move the limbs, usually the legs.

Pregnant women, patients with end-stage renal disease or iron-deficiency anemia,

and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) have a

significantly higher prevalence of RLS.

The classic presentation includes the onset or worsening of symptoms

when at rest and the circadian pattern of exacerbation of symptoms

at night. These symptoms reflect a circadian fluctuation of dopamine

in the substantia nigra.

Patients with RLS have lower levels of dopamine in the substantia

nigra and respond to iron administration. Iron, as a cofactor in

dopamine production, plays a central role in the etiology of RLS.

Folic acid administration has also been shown to alleviate the

symptoms of RLS and may play a role in the treatment of primary

(familial) RLS.