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Calcium Deficency & Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder in which a person suffers from uncontrollable leg movements when the legs are at rest. Calcium deficiency is one of the several causes of restless leg syndrome.

  1. What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

    • Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable urges to move the legs when they are at rest, most often during sleep. "Creepy crawly" sensations are accompanied by pain. According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Restless Legs Syndrome, an estimated 5% of the general population suffer from this disorder.

    Significance

    • Calcium is necessary for proper muscle contraction in the body. A deficiency in calcium has a negative impact on nerve transmission and can lead to muscle spasms and quivering.

    Function

    • Low levels of sodium in the body can make calcium biologically unavailable. Sodium is necessary to keep calcium in a usable state. Fatigue, stress and trauma can reduce adrenal gland activity, causing calcium to come out of the blood and deposit into soft tissues like joints and hair. A less common cause is acute deficiency of calcium, in which a person takes in too much phosphoric acid from consuming too much sugary food and soda.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Doctors often suggest lifestyle changes in order to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. These include decreasing the use of caffeine and sugary foods that lead to calcium deficiency.

    Supplements

    • Calcium supplements can be taken in until the body is able to make calcium available. Once the body's sodium levels improve, it will be able to make calcium available again.

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