Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of vitamin B complex in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps in elderly patients with hypertension
Chan P, et al
Published in Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Methodology
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial; capsules three times daily for 3 months with assessment every 2 weeks; self-reported ratings of cramp frequency, duration and intensity.
Key Findings
28 elderly hypertensive patients with severe nocturnal leg cramps received vitamin B complex capsules (fursulthiamine 50 mg, hydroxocobalamin 250 mcg, pyridoxal phosphate 30 mg, riboflavin 5 mg) three times daily or placebo for 3 months (14 per arm). After 3 months, 86% of the vitamin B group had prominent remission of cramps while the placebo group showed no significant change from baseline. Cramp frequency, intensity and duration were all significantly reduced with vitamin B complex, and the treatment was well tolerated.
Conclusions
Vitamin B complex significantly reduced the frequency, intensity, and duration of nocturnal leg cramps.
Limitations
Very small single-centre trial (14 per arm) in a narrow population of elderly hypertensive patients, with self-reported cramp ratings as the only outcome.
Supplements Studied
After 3 months, 86% of the patients taking vitamin B had prominent remission of leg cramps, whereas those taking placebo had no significant difference from baseline.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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