What Supplements for Maintainers?

[thirteenlb]

I just purchased the 1992 version of DANDR, and the chapters on supplemenation piqued my interest. I'm curious: what (if any) supplements do you take as a maintainer?

I take a multivitamin and that is all.

[Judynyc]

I take potassium twice daily. Calcium/Magnesium/zinc is also a twice a day for me. This is with a multi.

I'm also now taking 5-HTP twice a day which aids in seretonin production and does seem to help with sleep issues.

I just got my original Atkins book in the mail and will give it a read over the weekend.

[thirteenlb]

Good for you, Judy! I enjoyed the 1992 version for its explanation and the 1972 version for its boldness.

What is HTP?

[Judynyc]

5-HTP is a supplement that I found out about recently.

aids in seretonin production and does seem to help with sleep issues.

[thirteenlb]

I see, I wasn't sure if that was the purpose or a side effect! Thanks.

I'm looking into biotin and EFAs...I'm lost! There seems to be so many conflicting "facts" on the net.

[Rachel1]

I take a multi, calcium, magnesium, and D daily (when I don't forget). I try to eat fish 3-4 times per week for the Omega 3s, and also use Omega 3-fortified eggs and some flax. The cal-mag is for bone density, the D is for lack of sunlight, and the multi is for insurance. I hope I'm getting most of my micronutrients from my food.

Rachel

[mammac-5]

I take a multivitamin ("senior" formula because I don't want iron in my vitamins) twice daily. Just store-brand stuff.

Fish oil caps twice daily.

Magnesium twice daily.

Calcium with Vit D.

Fiber Choice tabs - I take this inulin fiber along with the calcium since calcium is more fully absorbed when in the presence of inulin.

Metamucil in the a.m.'s.

I have had a slow digestion problem all my life -- WAY prior to LC. It wasn't until about 1 year ago that I discovered the "cure" for me, which is using both the Metamucil fiber and the Fiber Choice tabs. Seems that the combination is the key for me. I also continue to use magnesium because it pulls H2O into the large intestine to keep things moving. Probably TMI, but that's just what I have to do. Even though I eat more veggies than I've ever eaten in my life, I use flax a couple times a week in my tuna patties recipe, I drink LOADS of water and other fluids and I exercise almost-daily.

[thirteenlb]

Thanks. I was in GNC today and came out empty handed; I was so frustrated!

You all are giving me a better idea of what to look for.

[bkloots]

This weekend, at Half Price Books, I snagged a copy of Dr. Atkins Vita-Nutrient Solution. If you want to know everything about everything from his point of view, this is the book. His practice of "complementary medicine" was based on healing through nutrition and supplementation.

Based on my own dr's advice and ongoing low-carb experience, here's my list:

Multi-vitamin
Glucosamine/Chondroitin Triple Strength (2x)
Calcium 600 + D (2x)
CoQ10 75 mg.
Super B Complex
Potassium
Chromium Picolinate (might stop this)
Fish Oil (2x)
Vitamin E 400 iu (just restarted this)
L-Carnitine/Alpha lipoic acid combo (started this recently)

I probably forgot something! I believe I have a good and sufficient reason for each one of these. But I think everybody has to use their own judgment--it's a highly individual thing. Atkins discusses specific reasons for a boatload of supplements, worth considering.

I'm a 60 y/o female, so some of this stuff is antioxidant/anti-aging/anti-creaking nutrients, and it seems to be working. :lol:

I purchase supplements from Puritan's Pride (puritan.com online) and Costco.

[thirteenlb]

Okay, I broke down and purchased Dr. Atkin's Vitanutrient Solution. Too confused to not get it!

[Kristine]

The supplements in my kitchen take up a whole cupboard shelf! :blush:

When it comes to taking them, though, I sort of play it by ear. The only I take daily is pharm-grade fish oil for the EFAs. I take vit D daily in winter, but that'll be cut back once it's warm enough to go outside and bake my own. I take a multi maybe two or three times a week. I should take my cal/mag every day, but I don't.

I have a bunch that I use on occasion, if I think I've been missing out: B vitamins, C, and potassium, etc.

I also take milk thistle and dandelion root off and on, since I'm a regular drinker.

[NYNikki]

I still take the same boatload (plus some) of supplements I've always been taking. I figure 'if it ain't broke why fix it' :thup: