Low B12 levels link to RLS - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

22,326 members16,392 posts

Low B12 levels link to RLS

Joolsg profile image
13 Replies

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.

Written by
Joolsg profile image
Joolsg
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies

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 profile image
Joolsg in reply to

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 profile image
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__ profile image
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 profile image
Joolsg in reply toOpie__

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__ profile image
Opie__ in reply toJoolsg

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 profile image
Joolsg in reply toOpie__

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

67Waterman profile image
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 profile image
ChrisColumbus in reply to67Waterman

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 profile image
Jumpey

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

serengazer profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

The link between Iron and RLS

There are several chemicals that are thought to be associated with the development and symptoms of...
Daragh profile image

new to RLS

hi, I’ve been trying to understand what RLS is and what treatments to have. The neurologist...
Rosecup profile image

Low Potassium and RLS

Finally received the labs from the V.A. No workup on iron but everything else. Appears that I am...

Serum Ferritin Levels RLS

Hello. My name is William Henry and I have posted many times on this Forum. I have had RLS for many...

RLS and low blood pressure

My restless legs have gotten worse in the past months — often during the day not just the evening,...

Moderation team

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.