Introduction to Restless Legs Syndrome

Iron Deficiency and Restless Legs Syndrome

Many individuals who suffer from restless legs syndrome also suffer from anemia. Insufficient serum ferritin is a common cause of intermittent restless legs syndrome. If serum ferritin is abnormal or the percent iron concentration in the blood is low, this can lead to symptoms of restless legs syndrome. If this is indeed the case, then the physician needs to evaluate why the patient's iron levels are so low. A serum ferritin concentration below 50 micrograms/liter is associated with severe symptoms. Therapy consists of ferrous sulfate supplementation together with vitamin C pills to enhance absorption until the serum ferritin level is above 50 micrograms/liter and the percent iron concentration is above 20%.