OK, it could just be coincidental - but I've been on Atkins a little over two weeks and have been doing well. But the past two days, I have been experiencing annoying and somewhat painful muscle spasms in my right calf.... could this be from low carbing? Anyone else have similar experiences? Or should I just chalk it up to bad shoes? Thanks for your input -

Oh it's very common. For me I ended up needing extra potassium an extra calicum/magnesium supplement. Everyone is different thoguh and some just need the extra cal/mag each day.

If I don't take mine, I will be rudely awoken by screaming pains in both my calves running into the arch of my foot. It's killer but easily remedied by taking supplements.

Hope that helps!

... are a sign of not enough Calcium. 1,000mg per day is the minimum for adults (men and women both) and 1,200mg for women over age 50.

Calcium is usually combined with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio. This is a good idea, since many of us don't get enough mag. either. Generally, you'll find Cal-Mag supplements with 333gm Cal, and 167mg Mag. Take 3 pills per day, divided ... I suggest taking the third pill at bedtime .... it'll help yer sleep

Look for a supplement that is citrate-based, or mixed base of citrate, maleate, gluconate, carbonate, etc .... and not just carbonate alone. Calcium carbonate is usually made from ground-up oyster shells, which is poorly absorbed in the gut.

Doreen

Thanks so much to the both of you for the excellent information; I will make sure to get the right supplements. There is so much to learn about this WOE... I'm so glad I found this forum. (And happy that I don't have to toss the shoes!)