Medical Issues & RLS/PLMD

[ircam2112]

Hi all. I have recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease (CD) and now wonder how much of my RLS/PLMD could be the result of an iron and/or other nutritional deficiency. My ferritin level is 160 so, a gluten-free diet may not help me re: RLS but, thought others should know that there is an established link (see attached studies).

Renal (kidney) and liver disease also have links to RLS. Celiac disease is severely under-diagnosed around the world.

So, just a friendly reminder of these potential secondary causes or worsening of RLS/PLMD and that treating these underlying conditions may improve your RLS/PLMD/quality of life.

[Guitarpickin]

This is fascinating. Thank you for sharing. Fingers crossed that treating your CD will significantly improve your health and eliminate or minimize the RLS/PLMD. It’s exciting you have a clear path of treatment to try! Please keep us posted.

[BoldMove]

I have Celiac and RLS. As you probably know, the established link is inability to absorb iron. However, in my case, adhering faithfully to a GF diet did correct my iron levels but had no noticeable to the intensity of my RLS. No one wishes I have a better answer than I do.

[ircam2112 in reply to BoldMove]

Thanks for the response. I haven’t set my expectations too high and appreciate you sharing your experience.

[ircam2112 in reply to BoldMove]

Did you notice any physical, psychological or mood changes?

[BoldMove in reply to ircam2112]

Re Celiac: Only that I was disappointed to know I had it because of the learning curve of what non-grain items may have hidden gluten. Also the events that were safer to miss than participate in was a disappointment.Re RLS: I'm often tired, but here is how I circumvented much of it: I try for my time in bed knowing I have to get up and walk though I discovered standing is sufficient. I saved many simple chores for the middle of the night disturbances to compensate for the extra bedtime hour. I have night lights in the kitchen and other areas so I can see to get things done without disturbing my sleep/wake cycles beyond necessity. It works for me. I make sure I'm getting more B12 than necessary early in the day. It too seems to help me a bit.

[Hidden]

I recall reading that celiac disease is more common in the Irish and in those of Irish descent.

It would be interesting to know the prevalence of RLS/PLMD in those populations.

A two-minute search of Google came up with a 2007 study showing a prevalence rate of 2.8% amongst a study population of 2628 primary care patients in Ireland, however that seems low, even generally speaking.

[ircam2112 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I agree. I usually hear that generally the percentage is closer to 10% but I think that may be “diagnosed + estimated undiagnosed” rather than “actual” as in the study. So, if that is the case, you’d expect closer to 10% with a study like this. It would be interesting to study the differences between different populations/cultures which may get us closer to causes. E.g.) is there a difference based on latitude > sunshine > vitamin D/melatonin?