Iron Levels for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Most patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) should have iron levels checked every 6-12 months, as low iron levels in the brain is thought to be the main cause of RLS. @andyberkowskimd of ReLACS Health discusses how to check iron, which tests to use, and how to interpret the results in light of RLS.

Learn more about RLS and many other conditions and aspects of sleep health by reading A ReLACSing blog:

[joeloop]

Taking iron towards the evening is the best advice I’ve ever get. I was able to get a good night sleep (with interruptions of course…) after months of suffering, because my symptoms are way worse since a while

[countrydwell]

Thank you again for specific points.
Really appreciate your easy to understand talks.

[robinnelson]

My ferritin level was 2. I can barely get from one room to the other I'm so fatigued. My doctor doesn't seem concerned at all. I am so grateful for my computer and the internet. I began taking Blood Vitality 6 times per day and it really helped. K+ and mg aren't enough for my RLS, so it must be low iron.

[Tracymcgrath-pe]

Mine is so low. The rls is horrendous. I’m outside walking it off. The mirapex is working barely after months. Dread night.

[daisychain]

Ferritin at 7 :( restless legs on and off plus other symptoms for 30 years and have only just found out the cause. Have had limbs ‘falling asleep’ and weird but thankfully fairly mild parasthesia /nerve type disturbance eg tingling for a few years now, wonder if that could be to do with low iron too?

[liamporter]

Good info and one that really able to mention the iron numbers. Thanks for sharing 👏👏👏👍. Gabapentin helps. Worried that when it'll stop helping or needs to increase dosage 🙏🙏🙏. Try iron supplement first. RLS is a torturing illness. Feel for everyone who are suffering from it.

[SB]

Excellent explanation sir !!
My Ferritin is 30, Transferrin Sat. 25%, TIBC 410 but Serum Iron 104, borderline low RBC and I have RLS. But my physician is telling it as NORMAL!! As it is within lab intervals !! So not prescribing me any Iron Supplements !! Should I start myself on Iron Supplements?

[pattierose]

I’ve had RSL since childhood, I’m now 68. Now it’s progressed to major contractions of my limbs at night. My pcp hasn’t checked iron or ferritin levels but I’m concerned about taking iron at my age as I’ve heard it contributes to cardiovascular disease. Are muscular contractions a form of RSL?

[kc]

I am suffering from rls for almost15 years.After listening to you I've done my iron test. My transferrin saturation is15% and ferritin is 98.Is it ok for me to take iron supplements?I am 71 year old woman.

[kenaultman]

What if your ferritin levels are at or above this range, and still have symptoms? My level was 87. That's the boat I'm in right now. They can't figure out why I have it. Anything else I should test? I've done the whole Iron panels multiple times now. They come back high because I supplement. But, still have it.

[colesohn]

Thank you so much! I was wondering if results are still accurate if you don’t fast before blood work?

[calila]

Ferritin 70 but iron saturation 13% and having rls

[andyeccentric]

Doesn't low iron as a man mean a GI BLEED?