Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Common Triggers of Restless Leg Syndrome

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is highly associated with restless legs syndrome. The link between the two conditions has been studied extensively. Researchers have indicated that low levels of iron in the body can be detected in the spinal fluid and blood of those who have symptoms of restless legs syndrome. The lower the levels are, the worse the signs are. Imaging techniques have shown that iron levels in the substantia nigra, a brain region, is lower in people with the condition compared to normal people. This would be a contributing factor to the development of the disorder. Many pathological studies have verified this change in the brain.[2]