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The effect of vitamin D supplements on the severity of restless legs syndrome

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An Erratum to this article was published on 02 October 2015

Abstract

Purpose

Clinical observation hinted improved symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) after vitamin D supplements. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the severity of RLS symptoms.

Methods

Twelve adult subjects diagnosed with primary RLS and vitamin D deficiency were recruited. Patients with secondary RLS were excluded from this study. The complete cell count; serum levels of ferritin, iron, glycated hemoglobin, and vitamin D3 (25 (OH) vitamin D); and renal and bone profiles of the patients were assayed. Patients with vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/l) were treated with vitamin D3 supplements (high oral dose or intramuscular injection). The severity scores of RLS were reassessed after the vitamin D3 level was corrected to >50 nmol/l and compared with those before the administration of the supplements.

Results

The median pretreatment vitamin D level was 21.7 nmol/l (13.45–57.4), which improved to 61.8 nmol/l (42.58–95.9) (P = 0.002) with the treatment. The median RLS severity score improved significantly from 26 (15–35) at baseline to 10 (0–27) after correction of the vitamin D levels (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study indicates that vitamin D supplementation improves the severity of RLS symptoms and advocates that vitamin D deficiency is conceivably associated with RLS.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have reported no significant conflicts of interest exist with any companies/organizations whose products or services may be discussed in this article.

Funding support

None

Author contributorship

Siraj Wali and Ayman Krayem wrote the proposal, recruited the patients, interpreted the results, and wrote the manuscript. Afnan Shukr, Ayah Boudal, and Ahmad Alsaiari recruited the patients, conducted the statistical analysis, and wrote the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep Medicine and Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Siraj Wali, Afnan Shukr, Ayah Boudal & Ahmad Alsaiari

  2. Sleep Disorders Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Ayman Krayem

  3. Associate Professor of Medicine College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Sleep Medicine and Research Center King Abdulaziz University Hospital, P.O. Box 80215, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia

    Siraj Wali

Authors
  1. Siraj Wali
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  2. Afnan Shukr
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  3. Ayah Boudal
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  4. Ahmad Alsaiari
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  5. Ayman Krayem
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Siraj Wali.

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Wali, S., Shukr, A., Boudal, A. et al. The effect of vitamin D supplements on the severity of restless legs syndrome. Sleep Breath 19, 579–583 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-014-1049-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-014-1049-y

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