Vitamin E Can Relieve Restless Legs, A Sleep Disorder That Affects Millions

Washington, DC - September 6, 2003

Vitamin E can help prevent a sleep disorder that affects up to five percent of the population, Lawrence Lindner, executive editor of the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, says.

With lack of sleep causing a $l00 billion annual loss of productivity, sick leave, medical expenses and property damage, Lindner writes in the column "Eating Right" in the Washington Post, one contributing illness is "restless leg syndrome."

"If you have restless leg syndrome, talk to your doctor about taking supplements of iron or Vitamin E. Up to five percent of the population has restless leg syndrome," Lindner says

Kenneth Sassower, staff neurologist of the Sleep Disorders Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, said people often describe the sleep problem as a "creepy, crawly sensation" that worsens when the body is inactive, causing a strong urge to move the legs and interrupt sleep.

Sassower adds: "I find that in my clinical practice about one in five individuals are helped by Vitamin E therapy either for restless legs or periodic limb movements," the latter described as a related condition that also keeps people up at night. Typical dosage of Vitamin E supplements to relieve the problems is "400 units two times a day," the neurologist said.

Another medical writer, Dr. Robert M. Giller of New York, cites a much higher level of relief for patients suffering from nocturnal leg cramps. "In one study of l25 patients," he says, "all but two had complete or nearly complete relief from their symptoms when they took Vitamin E supplements. In most cases, the symptoms returned when the supplements were discontinued."

In his book, "Natural Prescriptions," Dr. Giller, a specialist in preventive medicine, also recommended that Vitamin E be taken in supplements of 400 international units (IU) twice a day after meals for two weeks. If symptoms recur, he said, "increase the dosage until symptoms are relieved but never take more than l,200 IU daily."