Restless Legs Syndrome: Iron Deficiency in the Brain Linked to Condition

Approximately 500,000 Norwegians may be affected by restless legs syndrome (RLS), and novel research suggests the condition could stem from iron deficiency not in the blood, but in the brain. A Swedish study, highlighted by Norwegian media outlets Dagbladet and Europesays.com, indicates that standard blood tests may not detect the iron deficiency causing the neurological disorder.

Restless legs syndrome is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, often described as creeping, crawling, aching, or throbbing, and a compelling urge to move them. Symptoms typically worsen during periods of rest, particularly at night, and are often relieved by movement. While current treatment focuses on lifestyle adjustments like physical activity, stretching, and temperature therapy, the Swedish research points to a potential new avenue for diagnosis and treatment.

“We have long known that iron supplements can help some people, especially those with proven iron deficiency,” explained Mirza Jusufovic, a neurologist at Aleris, in an interview with Dagbladet. “Iron is important for how the brain controls the signals that control movement. Low levels can cause restlessness and discomfort in the legs, especially in the evening and at night.”

However, Jusufovic cautioned against self-treating with iron supplements. “This proves best to measure iron levels first and consider treatment based on that,” he said. The key finding of the Swedish study is that iron levels in the brain can be low even when standard blood tests show normal results.

Anders Johansson, a senior neurologist at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that restless legs can be understood as a condition of iron deficiency in the brain. In Stockholm, treatment protocols have shifted from oral iron supplements to iron injections for some patients, but only after confirming iron deficiency through testing. Johansson emphasized the importance of testing before administering iron intravenously.

The underlying mechanisms of RLS are not fully understood, but research suggests a connection to the dopaminergic system – a network in the brain and spinal cord crucial for movement. The Swedish researchers propose that iron may play a role in dopamine function, potentially explaining the link between iron deficiency and RLS symptoms.

According to Aleris, symptoms of iron deficiency can likewise include a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, pale skin, cracks at the corners of the mouth, tinnitus, and headaches. The organization recommends blood tests to check iron status for individuals experiencing RLS symptoms, particularly when ferritin levels fall below 50-75µg/L.

While iron supplementation or injections may be considered, other treatments for RLS include lifestyle changes and prescription medications, such as dopamine agonists, according to the Store norske leksikon (SNL).