Efficacy of vitamins C, E, and their combination for treatment of restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Sagheb MM
Published in Sleep Medicine
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled four-arm trial of vitamin C, vitamin E, both, or placebo for 8 weeks in haemodialysis patients with RLS, using the International RLS severity scale.
Key Findings
In 60 haemodialysis patients with restless legs syndrome, eight weeks of vitamin C (200 mg), vitamin E (400 mg) or their combination each reduced IRLS severity scores substantially more than placebo, with no significant differences between the three active arms.
Conclusions
Antioxidant vitamins C and E meaningfully reduced restless legs severity in haemodialysis patients, a cheap option in a population with limited alternatives, though findings are single-centre and short-term.
Limitations
Small sample split across four arms, 8-week duration with no post-treatment follow-up, subjective IRLS scale, dialysis-specific population that may not generalise to idiopathic RLS, and no biomarker confirmation of oxidative stress mechanism.
Supplements Studied
Vitamins C and E and their combination are safe and effective treatments for reducing the severity of RLS in hemodialysis patients over the short-term.
Vitamins C and E and their combination are safe and effective treatments for reducing the severity of RLS in hemodialysis patients over the short-term.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
University research funding (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.