Ferrous Sulfate & Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological disorder that causes irritating or painful sensations in the legs, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Ferrous sulfate is used to treat the condition in some people.

Causes

Restless legs syndrome is sometimes triggered or worsened by iron deficiency, according to the NINDS and Mayo Clinic.

Identification

The iron supplement ferrous sulfate is an appropriate treatment for people suffering from RLS who also have iron deficiency, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Features

Ferrous sulfate is administered to people who have an iron level of lower than 50 ng per mL, according to the AAFP.

Warning

Treatment with ferrous sulfate may take a number of months to be effective, and, according to the AAFP, some people may not respond positively to treatment.

Considerations

Ferrous sulfate is not an appropriate treatment for those without iron deficiency. Other triggers of restless legs syndrome include, according to the Mayo Clinic: pregnancy, peripheral neuropathy (a type of nerve damage) and kidney failure.

References

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet
• Mayo Clinic.com: Restless Legs Syndrome Causes
• American Academy of Family Physicians: Restless Legs Syndrome: Detection and Management in Primary Care