Low B12 levels link to RLS

[Joolsg]

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

A recent study from China links low B12 to RLS and depression

Only 80 people in the trial though so it does need more research

Many people with pernicious anaemia (caused by low B12) have RLS.

[Amrob]

Thanks for sharing Jools.

In my case can most definitely rule out low b12 as a cause...mine tends to be on the higher side.

[Joolsg in reply to Amrob]

Another RLS conundrum.

I'm still convinced there are several separate causes of RLS. B12 deficiency, brain iron deficiency, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, spinal cord injuries.

So many causes but the same symptoms.

 Imagine if they put the same money into research as they do for MS or Parkinsons?

[Memmy]

Interesting. No harm in taking Vitamin B12 to see if it works. I always found that taking a multi vitamin seemed to help my legs. I wonder how much they

[Opie__]

Interesting , thanks for sharing Joolsg. My RLS has been going on for 8/10 years. A couple of years ago in routine blood work, my B12 was very low. I took B12 shots(once a month) for two years until 6 months ago, my B12 was too high so I stopped taking them. I couldn't tell any difference with low or high B-12. I am a very upbeat and happy person, doctor said, "you don't act like you need B-12 but lets try the shots. I am game for anything at this point in my journey

[Joolsg in reply to Opie__]

Are you still taking Requip Opie? How is your RLS? If you're suffering augmentation the severe RLS overrides benefits of B12 or iron infusions

[Opie__ in reply to Joolsg]

Yes, I am still on Requip .5 m once a day. I will take 1/3 or 1/2 pill if it kicks up around 3/4 pm. I havend't had iron infusions yet, seeing neurologist out of Vanderbilt in 2 weeks. Hoping he will help me out and get off Requip.

[Joolsg in reply to Opie__]

If RLS is starting at 3pm, classic augmentation sign so yes, hope he can help you off that last 0.5mg.

[67Waterman]

Hi Jools ... I thought I would check my blood tests, and my B12 is definitely OK, but thank you for sharing .... we need all the information we can get!

07-Oct-2022 B12/folate level - (Farah) - Normal - No action

Serum vitamin B12 468 ng/L 197.00 - 771.00ng/L

Serum folate 14.2 ug/L 3.00 - 20.00ug/L

[ChrisColumbus in reply to 67Waterman]

But are B12 levels like Serum Ferritin levels - what's 'normal' for the general population is too low for RLS sufferers? I've no evidence that that's the case, but medics know too little about RLS and made sweeping statements (and poor treatment judgements) 🤔

[Jumpey]

Yes I have both. And get 3 monthly b12 injections.

[serengazer]

Very interesting. I have had pernicious anemia most of my life and need B12 injections every month, as I don’t absorb well. I go through stages of faithfully taking it and then quit. No excuse… I have had severe RLS from my earliest memories So maybe they are connected!?

[pennygates]

Hi Jools

Had pernicious anaemia for several years. I get three monthly injections of B12. This used to be monthly until the policy was changed to once every three months. It doesn't make any difference to my RLS, but helps with fatigue . However I don't think I'm given enough, and suffer severe fatigue often.

[Jukebox55]

I am very interested in this. B12 seems to be a super important vitamin and yet it is so ignored. My partner nearly died of B12 deficiency after following a stupid diet for 10 years of fruit only.... I know!!! We are both vegan and both take B12 daily. It is super important for the nervous system, as well as energy production, skin condition, mood and memory. I take Jarrow formula Methyl B12 (vegan) which gives you 1000 mcgs. The older you get the more important it is to take it... EVERY DAY. You can't overdose on it. And if you think you are getting enough from your diet, eg. marmite, green veg, nuts etc... as usual, absorption is the key and as we get older it gets harder. My mother is 94 and I have just put her on it and she felt more energised the next day! It makes sense that it could help RLS. Thank you so much for your contributions to the debate, it is fascinating.