The reason Dr. Atkins says to take a supplement is that during induction, as with any diet, you experience a diuretic effect that flushes electolytes out of your body, including potassium.

I wasn't taking my potassium supplements, and I got mild leg cramps for a while, then got WICKED leg cramps that made my muscle bulge out, rock hard. This is not something you want to happen to you twice.

Too little potassium can also cause a heart attack, so I would listen to Dr. Atkins and not to some hippie in a health food store.

My supplement bottle says 1-5 tablets a day. I would start with one and build my way up if the aches don't go away, or see your dr.