I have been on atkins for almost 3 months and although i take vitamins, I am now unsure which ones i really should be taking. The health food shop has been of little help, and I know you guys would have a better idea of vitamin supplements for this diet,,,,
regards
Rachael

Racheal, the LC basics, IMHO, are:

1) A good multi vitamin is a must. Try to find something that says "Super" "Extra" "Forte". Check the labels for 'lipotropic factors' and for the full 'B' complement. Jamieson, Quest and Swiss Herbal all make a good multi in Canada.

2) A calcium and magnesium supplement. Both are essential minerals and both are ones that we tend to be defficient in as a population. Magnesium will help with cramping in general and it will help the other minerals you take work right - adquate potassium or calcium w/ a magnesium deficincy means you won't get the benefit of the cal/ potassium. The RDA for Calcium is 1000-1500 depending on age and sex. It is 400-600 for magnesium, also dependant on age and sex. You can usually get both minerals in one supplement in a ratio of 2:1 (333mg calcium / 167 mg magnesium). Be sure that calcium comes in a chelated form (Citrate/Malate etc) - do not get calcium carbonate from oyster shells (it is not well absorbed). Take 2 or 3 the pills throughout the day (one with each of your meals) and save one for an hour before bed - your body can only use so much of each and it cannot 'save' them for later. The before bed pill will help you sleep like a baby, magnesium has a soothing effect.

3). Potassium. Due to the natural diuretic effect of LCing salts are lost from the body along with the water. Along with the loss of potassium you'll feel achey, dizzy, headachey and 'blah'. General consensus is to supplement with potassium at 400mg a day for the duration of fat loss. Supplementing once in maintenance may be necessary on very hot days or on days when intense exercise is likely. Potassium can be obtained in pill form or from numerous salt substitute such as "NuSalt" or "Morton's Light Salt", a potassium salt-substitite. 1/8th of a teaspoon of NuSalt provides over 500mg of potassium. You should always be well hydrated when taking potassium and you might want to take it with some food (it can upset the tummy), and if you suffer from a heart condition or are on medication for blood pressure or a heart condition you should consult your doctor first before supplementing with potassium.

Cheers,
Nat