Restless Leg Syndrome

[Smiller]

Is there a link between Celiac and worsening of restless legs?  I’ve had RLS for years, but was just diagnosed with Celiac 6 months ago. I’ve cut gluten from my diet (or am still attempting but my last lab showed I’m still getting some from somewhere) but my RLS seems worse than ever. Anyone else notice a correlation?

[trents]

Smiller, are you on a statin by any chance? I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 20 years and suffered with RLS even after going gluten free. Several years ago I decided it was in my best overall health interest to discontinue the Lipitor I had been on for years. Unexpectedly, my RLS almost immediately disappeared.

[Smiller]

No, I have never taken a statin, but will keep that in mind if it’s ever recommended. 
I’m glad you finally figured out what was making yours worse. 

[trents]

I wonder if your problem might be tied to a vitamin or mineral deficiency? What supplements are you taking? Celiac disease typically generates multiple vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies because the damaged villi of the small bowel cannot absorb nutrients properly.

[Smiller]

That’s what I was wondering. My folate is fine. 4 months ago my ferritin was 5 and I started on a slow release iron and it is up to 30, but I’m wondering if it’s still too low and causing symptoms. I read it can impact RLS. Other than those two levels no other ones have been tested. 

[trents]

Celiac disease often creates a broad spectrum of vitamin and mineral deficiencies but the hardest hit seem to be the B vitamins. Since they are water soluble you really can't overdose on them. I would suggest you invest in a gluten free high potency B complex such as Costco's Nature Made line. I would also suggest adding to that at least 2000iU of D3,  some magnesium and some zinc. Do some research on forms of magnesium and zinc so as to choose ones that are easily assimilated. Start with a lower dose of the magnesium supplement until you get a feel for how much is too much (it can have a laxative effect).

RLS is neurological problem. It is well known that one of the spinoffs of celiac disease is neurological problems. Neurological problems can be caused by deficiencies.

[Kratos]

Mine was peripheral neuropathy in my arms and legs which was caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency. Worth looking into, but also I was borderline anaemic and now take Folate tablets as well. I still get restless legs syndrome from time to time though...mainly at night.

[knitty kitty]

Restless leg syndrome has been linked to mineral deficiencies like iron (ferretin), magnesium and calcium, and also to certain B vitamin deficiencies like B12, folate, Thiamine, and Vitamin D.

The B vitamins all work together and should be supplemented all together.  Taking just one of the eight B vitamins can cause the others to get out of balance and may hide a deficiency in another B vitamin.  For example, taking just folate can hide a B12 deficiency.  Take your doctor advised vitamin,  folate in this example, but add a B Complex supplement to go with it.  

"The effect of vitamin D on restless legs syndrome"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32078093/

Hope this helps.

 

[Smiller]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I forgot to mention I’ve been taking vitamin D3 for a couple years. It was down to 25 (30-100 normal range). I was taking 2000 u but was increased to 5000 and it’s now up to 36. 
 

I’m wondering as well if my vitamin B12 is low since it’s never been checked. Unfortunately my GI doctor doesn’t believe in doing tests. He says he’s more about treating the issue (being gluten-free) and the rest will “fall in to place”.  I don’t necessarily agree. 

[knitty kitty]

@Smiller,

I don't agree either.  Supplementing while you're healing will ensure that your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs to repair your intestine so your intestines can absorb what you need much much sooner than dragging along with a deficiency for months or years.  Doctors are not given much training in vitamins and minerals, so they don't know.  

I started feeling much better once I got my Vitamin D up into the eighties.  Vitamin D helps regulate your immune system, so you feel better.

Ask your general practitioner to check your B12 and folate at least.  Be sure to stop supplementing with vitamins and minerals two to four weeks before testing, otherwise you're just measuring the vitamins you've been taking and you won't get an accurate reading.  

Hope this helps