We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Magnesium and potassium supplements?
Chrysalid2014
Posts: 1,038 Member
Hi all,
So I've been reading about magnesium and potassium deficiency being common with low-carb diets, and am wondering whether to go ahead and get some supplements or wait to see if/when I start feeling 'deficient' - getting leg cramps and heart palpitations seem to be the common symptoms.
Is it safe to take these things just as a preventative measure? Is it possible to have too much? I have blood work done regularly (I have hypopituitarism and am on many other medications) so could ask my doctor to look at my levels, but then again I've read that the blood test results with these are often misleading.
Any insights would be appreciated. I'm finding the subject rather confusing (particularly as I think I'm right in the middle of the 'carb flu' phase right now).
So I've been reading about magnesium and potassium deficiency being common with low-carb diets, and am wondering whether to go ahead and get some supplements or wait to see if/when I start feeling 'deficient' - getting leg cramps and heart palpitations seem to be the common symptoms.
Is it safe to take these things just as a preventative measure? Is it possible to have too much? I have blood work done regularly (I have hypopituitarism and am on many other medications) so could ask my doctor to look at my levels, but then again I've read that the blood test results with these are often misleading.
Any insights would be appreciated. I'm finding the subject rather confusing (particularly as I think I'm right in the middle of the 'carb flu' phase right now).
0
Replies
-
I take the supplements (without any symptoms) mainly because where I live can be equated to the FL Eveglades in July/Aug ... 9 months out of the year. For a goodpart of the year I have to change my shirt after just taking the trash out (long driveway).
I checked earlier and there is no real side effects from too much of them. Most excess leaves your body through urine.0 -
I found that taking both prevents middle of the night leg cramps. Yes the subject is confusing. Try adding table salt to your diet.0
-
For potassium I use Morton's Lite salt mix. For 0.25 teaspoon you get 10% of your daily potassium needs. It has worked wonders for me!0
-
I take magnesium for cramp and it helps you sleep0
-
Most recent bloodwork I did shows that my potassium (similar levels for the last 5 years) stays fairly level and my magnesium was a little low (first year it was tested), though I did stop both supplements for several days before the test. So I added back in the magnesium citrate, and I add the Lite salt as it occurs to me to do... Will advise next tests with both supplements on board.0
-
I eat avocados for K and nuts and dark chocolate for Mg.0
This discussion has been closed.