long induction supplementation needs

[2big4mysize]

[quote="Atkins Tool Box"]

Hi 2Big, et. al... First I want to congratulate you guys on a great idea! Some of our bodies do not follow the "textbook" diet and it is VERY helpful to get guidance when your results do not turn out similar to the results Dr. A. promises in the books.

I am a slow loser and so far induction is the only phase I can lose on. I have about 13 pounds to go to my goal weight and this will take me about 6 months or longer. (Not complaining, just learning about my body). I will probably stay on induction until I am 5 pounds away from goal, then try to work OWL at half the carbs. I will hit Pre-Maintenance with about 2.5 lbs to go.

My question is this: Since I am on induction for a long time, do I need to add any additional vitamins/supplements to my regimen? I am taking a great multi-vitamin, chromium, L-Carnitine and Calcium/Magnesium/with D.

THANKS!!!

Looks like Mindykins has covered all the basics

There isn't a cut and dry take this this and this answer for your question. It is possible IF you are very very careful and well educated on nutrition to not need any supplements while doing induction under normal life situations. BUT that is a very big IF. What you need will depend on your selections as well as the things you deal with in your life. The best way to tell what minerals, and electrolytes you might be low in would be to have a simple blood test at your doctors office to check your levels. Based on that your doc can make recomendations. Mine said I needed more potassium during my long 7 month induction at one level and less during my veggie loving OWL..

if you use the online free sites to log your foods several have calculators built in to track your nutrients too and you can look at that report over time and see what you are lacking and supplement accordingly.
Stress and heavy exercise sweating will increase your need for certain supplements. Most folk require additional calcium, magnesium and potassium and usually find out they need then from muscle cramps.
Some need the EFAs because they don't select the omega 3 rich foods and eat too much omega 6 rich foods.


You don't have to buy Atkins brand anything to make your Atkins succeed and stay healthy. You can take your book or printout to the store and find many cheaper brands of vits that have the same amounts of those vits and minerals.

[shawnee]

My 1st reaction was try to add one of the multi EFA combo's for sale out there (fish,borage,flaxseed oils) Besides Atkins essential oils which aren't cheap there are lots of much more economica versions of this combo available (Walmart/Sams has a very economically priced version)

[canuck]

I would only echo that NOT to use anything with iron in it as with emeats and greens we get alot of iron and it is not excreted in the urine etc and can build up causing all kinds of problems and even leading to diabetes, so know what you are taking, if we follow Dr A he does say over and over not a multi with iron but doesnt seem to clearly say why, so know its not safe and do your research.

[2big4mysize]

your doctor can tell you based on your blood tests if you need extra anything.

Your rate of iron absorption may be different from somebody elses. Food combinations and liver health can effect absorption rates too.

Iron is not passed out of the body pnce absorbed other then by bleeding. the only defense we have is if our intestines do not absorb too much.

Ferritin is the storage protein ofr iron and it is found in heart and liver tissue so that is where our bodies shuttle the iron and it will accumulate in your heart and liver causing damage when you exceed your bodies ability to manufacture Ferritin.