Which statement best describes the relationship between iron supplementation and restless legs syndrome?

Which statement best describes the relationship between iron supplementation and restless legs syndrome?

• A. Iron supplementation has no effect on restless legs syndrome
• B. Iron supplementation improves symptoms only if ferritin is low
• C. Iron supplementation worsens symptoms in most patients
• D. Iron supplementation is contraindicated in restless legs syndrome

Answer: (B)

Iron stores influence how restless legs symptoms respond to treatment. Ferritin reflects stored iron, so replenishing iron helps only when those stores are depleted. When ferritin is low, adding iron (by oral or IV routes) can reduce the symptoms and improve sleep. If ferritin is normal or high, giving more iron usually doesn’t improve RLS and can cause unnecessary side effects or iron overload. That’s why the statement that iron supplementation improves symptoms only if ferritin is low is the best description.

Iron stores influence how restless legs symptoms respond to treatment. Ferritin reflects stored iron, so replenishing iron helps only when those stores are depleted. When ferritin is low, adding iron (by oral or IV routes) can reduce the symptoms and improve sleep. If ferritin is normal or high, giving more iron usually doesn’t improve RLS and can cause unnecessary side effects or iron overload. That’s why the statement that iron supplementation improves symptoms only if ferritin is low is the best description.