High levels of rare intestinal bacteria may be related to restless legs syndrome

Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO) may be more common in patients with restless legs syndrome (SJS), according to preliminary findings from a recent new study.

The results show that SIBO was found in the seven participants with restless legs syndrome. On the other hand, it is estimated that the prevalence of SIBO in the general population does not exceed 15%.

"We have observed extremely high rates of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine in the RLS group," said lead author, Daniel Jin Blum, Ph.D., DBSM, assistant clinical instructor at the Stanford Center. for science and sleep medicine in Redwood City, California. . "Exploring the relationship between SJS and intestinal microbial health could open new avenues of detection, prevention, and treatment for SJS and other sleep disorders."

SIBO is a disease in which rare intestinal bacteria are overrepresented in the intestine. RLS is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by a strong urge to move the limbs, often accompanied by other uncomfortable sensations. These symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity such as lying or sitting, are partially or completely relieved by movements such as walking or stretching and occur exclusively or mainly in the evening or the night.

Low iron levels in the brain is a key risk factor for RLS. According to the authors, this iron deficiency in the brain could be secondary to iron deficiency in the diet or possibly to inflammation of the intestine.

Participants in the study completed sleep and symptom questionnaires for SIBO and took home a feces collection kit and a SIBO respiratory test kit. Fecal samples were examined by the University of Minnesota's Genomics Center and SIBO breath samples were evaluated by Aerodiagnostics to detect hydrogen and methane abnormalities.

Other participants in the study continue to be recruited at the Stanford Sleep Center. Further analyzes will examine faecal microbial composition, iron deficiency subtypes RLS and comparisons with insomnia.