According to a health article on spasms in the New York Times, muscle spasms can occur when a muscle is overused or injured. But working out when you're dehydrated, or when you have low levels of minerals like potassium or calcium, can also increase the chances that you'll suffer muscle spasms. Keep in mind that a vitamin is an organic compounds required as a nutrient in a tiny amount. The term "vitamin" doesn't include dietary nutrients such as minerals; the latter are required in higher amounts than vitamins. Both vitamins and minerals can play a role in preventing muscle spasms.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral needed for all cells, tissues and organs in your body to function properly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Potassium is also an electrolyte, meaning it conducts electricity; potassium is crucial to heart function and plays a major role in muscle contraction. The New York Times guide to muscle cramps recommends eating bananas, which are rich in potassium, as a possible way to lower likelihood of cramping.
Vitamin D and Calcium
According to the New York Times, calcium is a mineral that plays a role in growth, maintenance and reproduction of the human body. It's also involved in nerve signaling, muscle contraction and relaxation and the release of some hormones. However, for your body to absorb the calcium in the food you eat, you must be getting adequate amounts of vitamin D. Your body manufactures vitamin D when you are exposed to direct sunlight, and vitamin D can also be found in cod liver oil, fortified milk and yogurt and mackerel.
Magnesium
According to the New York Times, lack of magnesium is rare, but symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle weakness. Magnesium plays a role in muscle contraction and relaxation, energy production and transport and functioning of enzymes.
