I have noticed lately that I spend a great deal of time in the Vitamin section trying to read the labels, only to discover that the information for each type is VERY limited. I am a self admitted no nothing about these mysterious pills and their effects. I am currently taking a MultiVitamin without Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Balanced B-100 and L-Carnitine. Are there any important Vitties that I'm missing? If nothing else, taking all these pills helps the water go down .

Christine

253<lost 50lbs first time>/233/222/130

Hi Christine,

Even though I have been LCing since Sep. 2, 2003 and have been reading this forum for a month or so, this is actually my first post. However, I am very interested in this subject of Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. I have read Atkins, PP and Schwarzbien and have tried to compare notes from each of them concerning dietary supplements. In addition, I just finished Dr. Atkin's excellent book "The Vita-Nutrient Solution." And I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in gaining knowledge in this area, especially LCers.

Dr. Atkins gives a recommendation in "New Diet Revolution" for the "Multi-Vitamin" he recommends (Atkins also sells this vitamin, called Basic # 3). I have been taking this vitamin for about 6 weeks now but I have also been studying this whole vitamin issue to find the "Ideal Vitamin-Mineral" supplement for me. It seems to be an individual issue and Dr. Atkins goes through recommendations for many diseases and conditions in "The Vita-Nutrient Solution." I am coming to the conclusion that there is no magic pill, rather a combination of supplements to meet an individual's needs. The problem I have with many Vitamin-Mineral Multi's is that they are loaded with extra herbs that I just don't like taking. I am really in search of the "Optimum Multi Vitamin-Mineral" supplement and will add other supplements on an individual basis. I really consider Atkins Basic # 3 to be a pretty good Vitamin-Mineral supplement for us LCers, but I am also considering NSI NutriSlim Low Carb Dieter's Basic, sold at vitacost.com. It seems to have a little better mix and is a great value.

Drs. Eades recommends Twin-Labs Dual Tabs Multi-Vitamin supplement. It is a very potent multi but I personally will not take is because it contains both iron and iodine, both of which can be detrimental in some cases according to Dr. Atkins and other supplement experts. I notice that Drs. Eades are now selling their own brand of Vitamin-Mineral supplements, but they seem cost prohibitive to me.

Diana Carpender also has a section in her fine book listing her views of what make up a good Vitamin-Mineral regimen.

I am also taking Atkins Essential Oils which I strongly believe in. I have already, in 6 weeks, seen marked improvement in my dry skin. In addition I believe they have even greater benefits internally.

My current regimen is: Atkins Basic # 3 - 3 daily; Atkins Essential Oils - 2 daily; NSI B Complex - 1 daily; TwinLab Potassium - 4 daily. I have also taken Atkins Dieters Advantage on occasions but I am not totally convinced on this one just yet. I don't like popping pills, but I am convinced some of the supplements available will benefit us greatly if we use them correctly.

I certainly hope others will share their knowledge and opinions on this subject of Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. I would like to hear what others consider to be the Optimum Vitamin-Mineral Supplement. Also some experiences with CoQ10, L-Carnitine and Bee Pollen.

Hope to read much more on this highly interesting subject!

Ron

Started My New LC WOL Sep. 2, 2003
283/245/175

"Men don't determine their future. Men determine their habits and their habits determine their future!" -- Mike Murdock

Christine

You can also find a great chapter on supplements in Fran McCollough's "Living Low-Carb". This book is a great reference for anyone wanting to follow a LC plan and I highly recommend it.

start 09.01.03 @225
current 200
goal 130ish

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." ~ Thomas Jefferson

Ron and Tara,
Thank you both. Tara I'll check into the book. Ron you seem very knowledgeable on the subject.I appreciate all the information. Welcome to the forum and I hope we hear alot more from you.

Christine

253<lost 50lbs first time>/233/222/130

Christine, I would probably suggest an Omega3 source: either fish body oil caps, flaxseed/flaxseed oil, or something like the Atkins Essential Oils or Udo's Perfect Oil.

Also, I think Ron is quite right--no magic one-size-fits all supplement regimin. I find a reference source to be invaluable, such as Atkins Vita-Nutrient Solution or Murray' Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Both are well-thumbed resources at my house.

And welcome to LCE, Ron. Glad you decided to uncloak



BC
172/108/108
Zone since 4/98

I also agree - it's an individual thing.
If I had to choose a minimum vitamin regiment for myself it would be the following.
A good Multi (I like centrum performance)
Vitamin E 400 mg or more (D-alpha tocopherol not DL-alpha)
Vitamin C 500 mgs 2x a day (more if you feel a cold or sore throat coming on)
I've taken the above for 30 years and get a cold every 5 years.
I also take fish oil caps, garlic, calcium-magnesium-zinc, B-complex (on an as needed basis), and 2 or 3 others for specific health problems. In the dead of winter I take cod liver oil capsules (supplies vitamin A and D) which is especially necessary if you live in the Northern U.S. or Canada. The major food source of Vitamin D is fortified milk which we're not getting on this woe. In summer sunshine enables our bodies to produce D.

Sorry to be so long.



Rob
310/240/180
Me, a skeptic? I trust you have proof

One tequila, two tequila,
three tequila, floor