RLS and Iron

[K2D2]

After reading posts here, I wonder if a different iron supplement would help my RLS, and if so what type and what dosage? I’ve been taking 50 mg daily for a couple of months (the bottle is just labeled as iron) but it’s not helping alleviate RLS. Recent blood test results were Iron, 83 ug/dL; total iron binding capacity (SFP), 286 ug/dL, and iron sat, 29%. My doctor did not mention or seem concerned about these results (which fell within standard normal ranges) and prescribed gabapentin, which usually helps, but I would prefer to treat underlying problem if possible. Thanks for sharing and ideas or recommendations.

[SueJohnson]

It doesn't seem like your ferritin was tested and this is the critical one for RLS. It should be at least100 and preferably 200. On the iron you are taking, it should be taken every other day for best absorption and at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal as it is absorbed better on an empty stomach. Also take it with a 250 mg Vit C or orange juice. A bottle that just says iron doesn't tell you much. You can try ferrous sulfate 325 mg or iron bisglycinate which is less constipating if that is a problem.

[DicCarlson]

More on iron test here...

bloodtestsresults.com/iron-...

Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate seems to be a preferred supplement (non-constipating, better absorbed). I used it 17mg daily, then 3x week (away from food, mid morning). Ferritin - the key iron storage protein seems to be missing from your iron panel.

[LotteM]

In addition to Sue's and Doc's remarks, indeed ferritin is missing. But the newest knowledge also pays a lot of attention to the transferrin saturation (%). Yours is not extremely low at 29%, but surely low enough to try and raise it. Treating rls by taking iron orally is for most people a longer term one. It may take up to several months or weeks to get serious effects. Raiding iron by oral supplementation is a slow process.

[WideBody]

I agree with the above, but I find it is fairly simple to raise ferritin. At least that has been my experience over the years. But as above you need a base line for ferritin. Once supplementation starts, iron is all over the map.

Also when and how you take iron is important for RLS. Try to take iron on an empty stomach, nothing to eat to hours before or one hour afterwards. Iron will bind with the protein in the stomach and cause black stools and constipation. Take iron with Vitamin C to aid absorption.

Finally, I would add Vitamin D to your breakfast and/or lunch. The body's response to iron is to produce Hepcidin to prevent iron overload. Vitamin D blocks the hepcidin. (My goal is to be more consistent with my Vitamin D).

Good luck, i hope it helps.

[Guitarpickin]

Maybe it’s a placebo effect but there are some members of the forum, myself included, who feel a much greater benefit from iron when taken before bed, instead of in the morning. And of course used the way everyone else instructed—on an empty stomach, but with some form of vitamin c. Some people take iron every other day (I do because I believe what everyone is saying about overall iron absorption), but others take it every evening for a more restful sleep. I just wanted to mention the timing because it is such a simple change and if you’re open to experiment, it won’t hurt to try.