The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that restricts fruits and grains, which contain essential vitamins your body needs for optimal function. The plan allows for vegetables, which are also a good source of vitamins; however, early stages of the diet restrict vegetable intake to 2 cups of leafy greens per day. The restrictive diet may make it difficult to attain nutritional balance; however, vitamin supplements may help you combat vitamin deficiencies on the Atkins diet.
B-Complex Vitamins
According to the Mama's Health website, diets lacking in grains, fruits and vegetables may result in deficiencies of some B-complex vitamins. While many B vitamins like niacin, pyridoxine, B12 and pantothenic acids are found in abundance in animal proteins, others like folic acid and riboflavin are more abundant in foods that are restricted or banned on the Atkins diet. Taking a daily B-complex supplement may help to correct some of these dietary deficiencies. Risk of overdose is minimal, since B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins, and the body's excretory system flushes out the excess.
Vitamin C
The Vitamins to Health website states that you must consume vitamin C daily. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin with immune-building anti-oxidant properties. Fruits are the best source of vitamin C, but they are restricted during early phases of the Atkins diet. Vegetable sources of vitamin C exist, as well; however, in the Induction phase of the diet you are limited to 2 cups of leafy greens per day. This does not supply an adequate amount of vitamin C. Supplementation can help to make up the shortfalls in vitamin C consumption, particularly in early stages of the diet when it is the most restrictive.
Multivitamin
Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement while you are on the Atkins diet. According to Vitamins to Health, it may not be entirely possible to prevent vitamin deficiencies on the Atkins diet because it is so severely restricted. Taking a multivitamin can make up for many deficiencies. Opt for a multivitamin that has no more than 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamins and minerals. This is particularly important with vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins. According to the Colorado State University Extension Service website, these vitamins are more likely to build up to toxic levels in the body if they are taken in amounts exceeding the recommended daily allowance. If you need help finding out which vitamins you should take, consult your doctor.
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