Re: RLS and Folic acid; a few things I have saved on it!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I did a Medline or search of the medical literature on " Folic Acid and

Restless Legs Syndrome " some time back and although more articles came up then

these, here are the ones I saved. Also, a post from one of our members is at

the bottom who experienced improvement in his RLS symptoms similar to how my

Mother did when her ferritin level came up. They call me the " Ferritin Lady "

as I am so enthusiastic into checking your level just in case. If you wish

further info on it, just post to me.

I have preached so much on checking your ferritin level, I don't want to bog

down with a post on it those who have already checked into it; it effects 20%

to 25% of RLS patients (low levels and most experience improvement when it

comes up to 50 which is higher then the lab will report for the lower end of

the range as " normal. " )

Also, my Mom was deficient in B-12 and her symptoms got better once she

started B-12 shots like other also reported when I mentioned it in a post a

few weeks ago. Ultram also helps her.

Barbara

Folates: supplemental forms and therapeutic applications

Author: GS

Address: gregnd@...

Source: Altern Med Rev, 1998 Jun, 3:3, 208-20

Abstract: Folates function as a single carbon donor in the synthesis of serine

from glycine, in the synthesis of nucleotides form purine precursors,

indirectly in the synthesis of transfer RNA, and as a methyl donor to create

methylcobalamin, which is used in the re-methylation of homocysteine to

methionine. Oral folates are generally available in two supplemental forms,

folic and folinic acid. Administration of folinic acid bypasses the

deconjugation and reduction steps required for folic acid. Folinic acid also

appears to be a more metabolically active form of folate, capable of boosting

levels of the coenzyme forms of the vitamin in circumstances where folic acid

has little to no effect.

Therapeutically, folic acid can reduce homocysteine levels and the occurrence

of neural tube defects, might play a role in preventing cervical dysplasia and

protecting against neoplasia in ulcerative colitis, appears to be a rational

aspect of a nutritional protocol to treat vitiligo, and can increase the

resistance of the gingiva to local irritants, leading to a reduction in

inflammation. Reports also indicate that neuropsychiatric diseases secondary

to folate deficiency might include dementia, schizophrenia-like syndromes,

insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, endogenous depression, organic

psychosis, peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, and restless legs syndrome.

Folate deficiency and neurological disorders in adults

Author: Botez MI

Source: Med Hypotheses, 1976 Jul-Aug, 2:4, 135-40

Abstract: The restless legs syndrome could represent a folate responsive

disorder in both patients with acquired-folate deficiency and those with

familial symptomatology. Patients with acquired folate-deficiency could be

divided into two subgroups. (i) those with minor neurological signs (restless

legs syndrome, vibration sense impairment and tactile hypoesthesia in both

legs with diminished ankle jerks and a prolonged or assymetrical Achilles-

reflex time) and (ii) those with major neurological signs (subacute combined

degeneration with or without neuropathies).

In some of these patients the classical triad of the malabsorption syndrome

is replaced by another triad, constipation, abnormal jejunal biopsy and

abnormal d-xylose absorption. A low folic serum acid level could induce minor

neuropsychiatric symptoms while an additional low CSF folate could induce

major neurological symptoms in spite of the presence of a normal erythrocyte

folate level and in the absence of frank anemia. Possible further studies are

described.

Folate-responsive neurological and mental disorders: report of 16 cases.

Neuropsychological correlates of computerized transaxial tomography and

radionuclide cisternography in folic acid deficiencies

Author: Botez MI; Fontaine F; Botez T; Bachevalier J

Source: Eur Neurol, 1977, 16:1-6, 230-46

Abstract: Two groups of patients with folic acid responsive neurological and

psychiatric disorders are reported. The first group (7 patients) had well-

established acquired folate deficiency due either to defective absorption (4

cases with atrophy of jejunal mucosa) or to a deficient diet (3 cases). One

patient had a subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord while others

were depressed and had weight loss, permanent muscular and intellectual

fatigue, restless legs syndrome, depressed ankle jerks, diminution of the

sense of vibration in the knees and a stocking-type tactile hypoesthesia.

The second group (9 patients) comprised idiopathic cases of folic acid

deficiency. Their main subjective complaints were chronic fatigability and

familial restless legs syndrome. The neurological findings were similar to

those of the patients with acquired disorders. Neuropsychological testing

procedures revealed an abnormal intellectual functioning in all 16 patients.

Abnormal patterns of radionuclide cisternograms and computerized transaxial

tomography (CTT) were found in 11 patients.

After 6-12 months of folic acid therapy a striking improvement regarding

their intellectual functioning was noticed: the IQ, Kohs Block Design and

Category tests were significantly improved. The correlation of

neuropsychological findings with CTT and radionuclide cisternograms led to the

conclusion that chronic folate deficiency could induce cerebral atrophy.

Sent: Friday, October 30, 1998 10:12 PM

Subject: Re: RLS and Ferritin Level

Hi,

I've had RLS for several years. When I went to my doctor 3-4 years ago he had

me take a sleep test where they diagnosed RLS. He took a blood sample for

ferritin levels and pronounced them OK at 30mg. 4-5 weeks ago I read on this

board about ferritin and how it should be greater than 50 for RLS victims.

I went to my new Doc and took another test with similar results as the first

test, i.e 30mg. The new Doc insisted that was just fine and I should do

nothing about it, notwithstanding what I read on the net and what I got from

Dr. Levin. Dr. Levin continued to suggest that I take iron pills to get the

level closer to 50. I ignored the new Doc and took Dr. Levins advice.

About 5 days ago I noticed that the RLS was gone. I do not know if the

ferritin level has changed but the RLS has remained dormant since than. I am

crossing my fingers that this is the solution for me. In any event, I would

strongly suggest that everyone check their ferritin level. Maybe there really

is something to it.