Magnesium and vitamin B₆ for restless leg syndrome Original paper

In this randomized controlled trial of people with restless leg syndrome, both magnesium and vitamin B6 benefited the participants’ condition and sleep quality at the 2-month mark.

The effect of magnesium or vitamin B6 on restless leg syndrome severity (measured by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale) and sleep quality (measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).

These were measured at baseline, month 1, and month 2.

75 participants (ages 15–50) with restless leg syndrome at an Iranian university clinic.

In this randomized controlled trial, the participants were given pramipexole — a common medication for restless leg syndrome — as well as either 250 mg of magnesium oxide, 40 mg of vitamin B6, or a placebo.

After 2 months, restless leg syndrome and sleep quality scores had improved in the intervention groups, compared with placebo. The improvement in the magnesium group was superior to the vitamin B6 group.

There were no differences at the 1-month mark.