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What is restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that occurs at rest, especially in the evening or at night, creating an urge to move. Symptoms may include tingling, pulling, burning or simply an indescribable discomfort. Movement temporarily relieves the condition, but symptoms return when you stop.

RLS affects about 5-15% of adults (Source - StatPearls, 2024). Most people assume it is simply a nervous problem, but often the cause lies in blood markers - especially iron stores.

Ferritin - the key marker

Ferritin reflects iron stores in the body. Even when hemoglobin is normal, ferritin can be too low. Studies show that ferritin below 75 ug/L may already be linked to RLS symptoms (Source - StatPearls, 2024).

Iron is needed for dopamine production in the brain. When iron is lacking, the dopamine system is disrupted - and this can trigger RLS symptoms. Therefore, addressing iron deficiency is often the first step.

Important: ferritin may technically be within the reference range (e.g., 30 ug/L) but still insufficient in the RLS context. Discuss this with your doctor.

Magnesium, B12 and folate

Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle twitching and restlessness in the legs. Magnesium is involved in nerve impulse transmission and muscle relaxation.

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for nervous system function. Their deficiency can damage peripheral nerves - and cause sensations similar to RLS. This is particularly important to check for vegetarians and vegans.

Glucose and other metabolic factors

Type 2 diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy - nerve damage that presents with symptoms similar to RLS. Therefore, glucose and HbA1c testing is an important part of the differential workup.

Kidney function impairment (creatinine, eGFR) is also associated with RLS - up to 25% of patients with chronic kidney disease experience these symptoms.

What to do: test checklist

If you experience RLS symptoms, here are the tests that can help:

1. Ferritin - iron stores (target: above 75 ug/L) 2. Serum iron + TIBC - iron metabolism 3. Hemoglobin - rule out anemia 4. Magnesium - muscle and nerve function 5. B12 and folate - nerve health 6. Fasting glucose and HbA1c - rule out diabetes 7. Creatinine / eGFR - kidney function

Tracking over time

RLS symptoms can fluctuate - sometimes worse, sometimes better. Regular testing (every 3-6 months) helps track whether ferritin is rising and magnesium is adequate.

If you started iron supplementation, a ferritin check after 3 months helps assess whether the approach is working. On your chart, you can see how ferritin levels correlate with symptom improvement.

Pytania do lekarza

1. Is my ferritin level adequate in the RLS context, even if it is within the reference range? 2. Should I check iron metabolism markers (TIBC, transferrin saturation)? 3. Could my symptoms be related to nerve damage (neuropathy)? 4. Should kidney function be checked? 5. If ferritin is low - what form and dose of iron would you recommend?

*To nie jest porada medyczna. Skonsultuj sie z lekarzem w sprawie decyzji zdrowotnych.*