IRON DEFICIENCY LINKED TO ONSET OF RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Vol. 7 Issue 74
Research presented at the Association of Professional Sleep Societies conference has linked iron deficiency to causing the onset of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
James Connor, researcher from Penn State College of Medicine, and lead researcher of the study, examined brain tissue samples from seven people who had RLS and five samples from patients with no neurological conditions.
Differences were noted between the two groups of samples.
Results showed that in the samples from RLS patients, portions of the mid-brain were iron-deficient. Connor noted that specific receptors for transporting iron were lacking amongst RLSpatients. Enough iron enters the brain cells to sustain life, but not enough for optimal function.
The results have established a cause of the disorder which dispels the former belief that the condition was a result of a psychological disorder.
Further, because the cells are simply iron-deficient, not lost or damaged, researchers are hopeful that treatment for RLS can be developed.
RLS is a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. Many people with RLS experience sleeplessness along with creepy-crawly sensations that can only be relieved through moving the legs.
SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times, June 25, 2003.
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Great information! So many practitioners never look at vitamin and mineral deficiencies for not only restless leg syndrome, but other symptoms, diseases and illnesses.
It’s just one part of the puzzle I have found when I have a new patient that experiences restless leg syndrome.