The Association Between Vitamin D Level and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) pathophysiology may involve central dopamine pathway dysregulation.
• Vitamin D's role in modulating the dopaminergic system suggests a potential link to RLS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 201 participants (78 RLS patients, 123 controls).
• Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were measured.
• RLS severity was assessed using the IRLSSG symptom severity rating scale.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in RLS patients (75.6%) than controls (42.3%) (P < .001).
• Low vitamin D levels (< 50 nmol/L) were associated with a 4.24-fold increased odds of RLS (P < .001).
• After multivariate adjustment, vitamin D deficiency remained significantly associated with RLS (OR 3.1, P < .002).

Conclusions:

• An association exists between vitamin D deficiency and Restless Legs Syndrome.
• Vitamin D deficiency warrants consideration in the clinical management of RLS.
• Further research is necessary to establish a causal relationship.