From the Guidelines
There is no clear evidence that monk fruit sweetener worsens restless legs syndrome (RLS). Monk fruit sweetener (also known as luo han guo) is generally considered safe and has not been specifically linked to RLS symptoms in scientific research 1. However, individual responses to food substances can vary. If you notice your RLS symptoms worsen after consuming monk fruit sweetener, it may be worth eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
Key Considerations
- RLS can be triggered by various factors including certain medications, caffeine, alcohol, and sometimes food additives or sweeteners in susceptible individuals.
- The mechanism behind this would likely involve potential effects on neurotransmitters or inflammatory pathways that influence RLS symptoms.
- If you're struggling with RLS, focus on established management strategies like regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and speaking with your healthcare provider about medications like dopamine agonists, anticonvulsants, or iron supplements if you're deficient.
- Keeping a symptom diary that includes food intake might help identify if monk fruit or other dietary factors affect your specific case of RLS.
Management of RLS
- According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the first step in the management of RLS should be addressing exacerbating factors, such as alcohol, caffeine, antihistaminergic, serotonergic, antidopaminergic medications, and untreated obstructive sleep apnea 1.
- The AASM also recommends the use of gabapentin enacarbil, gabapentin, and pregabalin in adults with RLS 1.
- Iron supplementation is also recommended for patients with low iron levels, with IV ferric carboxymaltose being a strong recommendation 1.
From the Research
Restless Legs Syndrome and Monkfruit Sweetener
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that monkfruit sweetener worsens restless legs syndrome 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome, but do not mention monkfruit sweetener as a potential trigger or exacerbating factor.
- The potential triggers and exacerbating factors mentioned in the studies include iron deficiency, chronic renal insufficiency, genetic predisposition, and certain medications, but not monkfruit sweetener 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Without further research, it is unclear whether monkfruit sweetener has any effect on restless legs syndrome.
Treatment and Management of Restless Legs Syndrome
- The first-line treatment options for restless legs syndrome include dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole and ropinirole, and alpha-2-delta drugs, such as gabapentin 2, 4, 6.
- Iron replacement therapy may also be effective in patients with iron deficiency 2, 5.
- Non-pharmacological measures, such as massage and temperate baths, may also be beneficial in some cases 2.