Dr. Robert Atkins developed the low-carbohydrate diet that bears his name. Although vitamin supplementation can be beneficial for anyone, it is especially important for low-carbohydrate dieters, Dr. Atkins wrote in his book, "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution." Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins but also full of carbohydrates, which the diet restricts. Consult your physician before embarking on the Atkins diet or taking any vitamin supplements.
Multivitamin
Multivitamins contain a variety of vitamins and minerals in a single tablet or capsule. The Atkins diet encourages a daily multivitamin that contains at least 30 nutrients. The multivitamin should contain at least 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance of all nutrients listed. Avoid any multivitamin with iron unless advised otherwise by your physician, because most Atkins dieters do not require iron supplementation.
Vitamin B Complex
A supplement containing all eight B vitamins is called a B-complex supplement. All B vitamins are water soluble, which means that excess vitamin B is excreted in your urine and not stored in your body. Therefore, you should take this supplement in addition to the multivitamin. B vitamins promote cell growth and cell turnover, support healthy metabolism and enhance nervous-system function.
Vitamin D
The Atkins diet also advises those who eat dairy to take a daily 200 mg vitamin D supplement and those who do not eat dairy to take a daily 400 mg vitamin D supplement. In the textbook "Contemporary Nutrition," Gordon Wardlaw says that vitamin D3 is the ideal vitamin D supplement, because it is the most easily absorbed form of vitamin D. The nutrition content on the vitamin label will clearly say if the supplement contains vitamin D3. Ask a pharmacist for assistance if you unable to find a suitable vitamin D supplement.
Administration
Vitamin supplements should be taken at the same time each day so that you can develop a routine and minimize the risk of skipping a day. Although you can take a vitamin with or without food, it's best to take it with a meal to prevent stomach upset. When possible, take your vitamin D supplement with a meal containing calcium-rich foods to enhance vitamin absorption, Wardlaw advises.
References
- "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution"; Robert C. Atkins MD; 2002
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw, et al.; 2007
Member Comments