Can I Get Iron Overload from Iron Supplementation for Restless Legs Treatment???

Iron supplementation either by mouth or through IV infusion is a consensus first-line treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS). One of the most common concerns is whether you can get iron overload from iron supplementation to treat this condition. ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health discusses why this should not be a concern in this video.
Among the questions addressed:
What are the concerns when it comes to too much iron?
How does the body prevent taking in too much iron from food or iron supplements?
How can iron infusion lead to much higher iron levels than oral supplements?
Why do those with RLS may actually want higher iron levels?
Why is it important to check iron levels regularly if you have RLS?
The following video provides a basis for the complexities of iron levels for RLS: • Iron Levels for Restle...
When choosing how to supplement with iron by mouth, one must consider how iron is absorbed in the GI system. For a basis on this, watch this video on how to take iron supplements for RLS: • How to Take Iron Suppl...
If oral supplementation is not effective or not tolerated, then an IV iron infusion is an excellent option. It is a consensus first-line treatment for RLS. This video compares the differences:
• Oral Iron Supplements ...
If you get an iron infusion, what is expected to happen with symptoms of RLS?
• The Expected Returns f...
Those wanting more information on types of iron infusion can also read A ReLACSing Blog #20: www.relacsheal...
These videos are for general medical information only, but for those who live in or near Michigan, Ohio, or Florida, you can hire ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health for consultation to assess your iron status, how it may impact RLS, and guide you to improvement of any other sleep-related symptoms that require a little more time and attention. Go to www.relacsheal... for more information.

[@monicamestas7566]

Your library of in-depth RLS videos is greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much!

[@Yowzoe]

Agreed, I am very grateful.

[@andyberkowskimd]

Glad you like them! I hope to keep posting new ones.

[@monicamestas7566]

RLS sufferers, if you're watching these videos, subscribe and give them a thumb's up. Only takes a minute.

[@andyberkowskimd]

Trying to post 1-2 videos on RLS per month

[@malgkozataolsefski5527]

You are very helpful dr Berkowski . Thank you very much

[@siggisiggibangbang]

Thank you for putting out these videos.

[@andyberkowskimd]

My pleasure!

[@robertnewell5057]

Thanks for this helpful vid. I read in a Mayo clinic article that, as you say, it's brain iron that is low in RLS, but that level is not indicated in blood results. Accordingly, it is a pragmatic strategy to maintain blood iron levels at around 75+ in people with RLS. That's still at the low end of normal, so is this achievable with oral supplements? In the UK, practitioners are extremely reluctant to prescribe IV iron in RLS, essentially because of the time (and therefore cost) involved. Of course, I dont't expect you to consult with me(!) but your view would help me discuss this with my doctor.

[@andyberkowskimd]

There is no consensus on ferritin level cutoffs as they seem to vary widely among individuals. Generally, we want most with RLS to have a blood ferritin greater than about 75-100 ng/mL. Some patients benefit from higher levels but it is challenging to predict who these individuals may be without doing the infusion and seeing if there improvement. There are really no published trials yet on iron infusion strictly for those with higher iron levels so this is just based on expert experience.

[@robertnewell5057]

Thanks again, Andy. I just replied to a similar comment I made on one of your other posts. I really appreciate you taking the time. I just found a private clinic over here specialising in iron deficiency related disorders and offering iron fusions, so I'm at least going to consult with them. @@andyberkowskimd