Iron for Restless Leg Syndrome

Q: Does Iron help with Restless Leg Syndrome?

Based on 173 studies with 36,638 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Iron may support Restless Leg Syndrome management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

Q: How much Iron should I take for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 65 mg elemental iron if ferritin <75. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Iron?

Reported side effects may include Constipation, Nausea, Stomach pain, Dark stools. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Iron and Restless Leg Syndrome?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 173 peer-reviewed studies with 36,638 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.

Based on 173 studies (10 meta-analyses, 5 RCTs) with 36,638 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

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The Bottom Line

Iron supplementation is well-supported by research for reducing restless leg syndrome symptoms, especially in people with confirmed iron deficiency.

65 studies with nearly 25,000 participants — one of the most studied supplement-condition pairs
A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy and safety of iron for RLS
Iron deficiency is a recognized major risk factor for restless leg syndrome
IV iron (ferric carboxymaltose) shows particularly strong results in clinical trials

Key Study Findings

review

[Restless leg syndrome. Diagnosis and treatment].

Dose: various vs: Placebo Effect: None None

case-control n=90

Restless Leg Syndrome and Association with Serum NT Pro-CNP.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: NT pro-CNP significantly lower in RLS vs controls; sensitivity 80%, specificity 88.9%; serum iron lo None

Cohort Study n=58 Open-label

Efficacy and safety of intravenous iron in patients with restless legs syndrome with normal serum …

Dose: 1000 mg ferric carboxymaltose vs: Group A (ferritin <100) vs Group B (ferritin 100-300) Outcome: IRLS severity scale score change Effect: None None

Population: RLS patients with serum ferritin <300 µg/L

review

Restless Leg Syndrome and Pregnancy.

Dose: iron supplementation, folate, dopamine agonists (non-pharmacological and pharmacological) vs: Placebo Effect: None None

review

[Restless Legs Syndrome].

Dose: dopamine agonists, iron supplementation, alpha-2-delta ligands vs: Placebo Effect: None None

review

Optimizing Restless Legs Syndrome Care: Integrating Rehabilitation into Multimodal Management.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

Key Statistics

173

Studies

36638

Participants

↔

Mixed

Grade

Referenced Papers

[Restless leg syndrome. Diagnosis and treatment]. Review

Revista de neurologia None 8 citations

Restless Leg Syndrome and Association with Serum NT Pro-CNP. Other

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Restless legs syndrome. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Review

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Iron Metabolism and the Role of Iron Therapy in Pediatric Restless Leg Syndrome. Review

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Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

rls:: 65 mg elemental iron if ferritin <75
general:: 18 mg/day (women)

Upper limit: 45 mg/day

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
various	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	90
1000 mg ferric carboxymaltose	--	Positive	58
iron supplementation, folate, dopamine agonists (non-pharmacological and pharmacological)	--	Positive	--
dopamine agonists, iron supplementation, alpha-2-delta ligands	--	Positive	--
None	--	Neutral	--
None	--	Mixed	--
None	--	Positive	--

Best taken: On an empty stomach with vitamin C; take in the morning, not before bed

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Constipation
⚠ Nausea
⚠ Stomach pain
⚠ Dark stools
⚠ Iron overload risk (hemochromatosis)

Known Interactions

● Antacids and PPIs — reduce iron absorption
● Levothyroxine — iron reduces thyroid medication absorption
● Antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) — mutual absorption reduction
● Calcium supplements — take separately by 2 hours

Tolerable upper intake: 45 mg/day

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Iron help with Restless Leg Syndrome?

Based on 173 studies with 36,638 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Iron may support Restless Leg Syndrome management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Iron should I take for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 65 mg elemental iron if ferritin <75. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Iron?

Reported side effects may include Constipation, Nausea, Stomach pain, Dark stools. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Iron and Restless Leg Syndrome?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 173 peer-reviewed studies with 36,638 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Restless Leg Syndrome

Magnesium Glycinate F

Quick Verdict

Based on 173 studies (10 meta-analyses, 5 RCTs) with 36,638 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (3)Meta (9)Other (161)

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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.