lactoferrin

[Jammarie]

I’ve used ferrous bisglycinate which helps but I don’t want iron levels to get too high. I wanted to try lactoferrin but the two nights I took it caused more rls. Ideas???

[Joolsg]

Professor Toby Richards spoke at RLS-UK AGM in October 2024. He said it's almost impossible to raise iron levels too high using oral iron.Experts say that serum ferritin levels up to 1000ųg/L are acceptable for RLS.

So I don't think you need worry.

So go back to ferrous bisglycinate.

And to put your mind at rest, ask your doctor for a full panel iron blood test.

You usually stop all iron supplements for 48 hours before an iron panel blood test.

Do you take other medications?

Dopamine agonists like Ropinirole, Pramipexole and Neupro are no longer prescribed for RLS as they cause drug-induced worsening and Impulse Control Disorder.

And many medications trigger RLS.

There is a list on our website under Medications to Avoid.

rls-uk.org/medications-avoid

[SueJohnson]

Take your iron tablets with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Also take Lactobacillus plantarum 299v as it also helps its absorption.

[DicCarlson]

Curious response. From what I read... "A systematic review and meta-analysis compared treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with lactoferrin supplementation versus the traditional treatment with ferrous sulfate supplementation. The study authors concluded lactoferrin supplementation provided better improvement in blood iron parameters (serum iron and ferritin) compared to ferrous sulfate."

Bear in mind - many with RLS do not technically have iron deficiency anemia. I don't think there is any downsize to using it - but if it aggravates your RLS - stop using it. The iron supplement is the key if your iron status is indeed causing the RLS. It was for me.

verywellhealth.com/the-bene...

[Clamire]

Lactoferrin, it sounds like, also has the ability to scavenge iron out of the bloodstream. That would be terrible for RLS and possibly the reason for your worsened symptoms. Congrats on the successful use of the bisglycinate. You and I chatted about two months ago about the best way to take iron. If you’re worried about raising your iron levels, as I am, then try to find the lowest effective dose. My ferritin was around 160 at last testing. Maybe higher? That’s unacceptable…to me. And if anything, my RLS is worse, not better, from the higher levels.