Supplements
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If you believe most of what we think we know about nutrition is wrong, isn't it at least possible that the anti-plant, anti-fiber, anti-supplement doctrine does not present a complete and accurate picture of everyone's best nutritional approach?
Unlike owls, we're not strictly carnivores and are a long way from wise....
Isn't the basic question not what's not strictly "necessary", but rather what are the best alternatives in each individual's unique circumstances?
(BTW, even Loren Cordain has recommended supplements....)
Anything is possible, but experience indicates that it's not likely. I would never tell someone to not do whatever helps them sleep best at night. If loading up on supplements is comforting and eases your worries, then go nuts. For me, and many others, supplementation is something to be considered only in the face of a diagnosed deficiency. If you feel like they help you, then continue taking them.
I had no idea who Loren Cordain was, apparently some paleo guru. If he encourages supplements, then he can take them and so can people who believe he's got valid points.
I am not going to debate whole supplement issue. Everyone can come to their own conclusions. But, I will state that supplements aren't a requirement for low-carb and many people do just fine without them. We also have no proof that supplements provide any benefits to those who haven't been diagnosed with a deficiency. We know that a low-carb diet is nutritionally healthy. At the very least, most would agree that the low-carb diet high in leafy green stuff is full of all the nutrients we need. I'd argue that those aren't required, but few go the carnivore route anyway; and those who do are usually the ones who are willing to actually put the details to the test with their own bodies. With a diet that is nutritionally complete, and no proof of benefits from excess supplementation, there is no compelling reason to recommend adding supplement to an otherwise healthy individual's diet.2 -
I'd say the caveat is "healthy individual's diet" when a LOT of us trying this WOE have come to it through unhealthy prior habits and are actively looking for healing. Healing might necessitate supplementation for that which has been lacking in previous, UNhealthy WOE.4
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My endo's nurse practitioner scheduled a Vit B12 test (that I have to pay for) for my next year's visit, since I told her on my last visit, I went low carb. I take a senior multivitamin, Super B tablet, Krill Oil and Ubiquinol. I feel fine and in my opinion, there was no earthly reason for a Vitamin B-12 test, I cancelled it.2
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I do believe that @FIT_Goat is correct about most people not needing to supplement, but it's clear on this board, at least in the beginning, most people present symptoms, like leg/foot cramps for example, that come about during the changes in food and switch to fat metabolism, that seem to respond right away when supplements are added. I'm one of the people that even after 17 months of this still needs a little extra sodium and the magnesium or I'll get the cramps right back again.
I really think supplementation of other minerals/vitamins isn't necessary in general, but only if we are eating correctly. For carnivores, I think that means eating a fair amount of your beef rare and definitely not overcooking other meats. But, in reality, there are going to be plenty of people that do this often enough. I try, but when my husband is manning the grill everything gets cooked til done, then just a little more "to be safe". Lol So, I know I'm not eating all my meats at their full nutritional potential. I don't take a multi vitamin but I often think I should probably be considering a few supplement additions and just haven't looked into which I think might be best.
I think the same goes with those that eat veggies too. First, they are sadly not as nutrient dense as they should be because of poor soil and the same nutrient loss occurs if you cook them to death too, though that does help them become more digestible... but, if a person does eat a diet with a really consistently high amount of green leafy veg and at least some properly cooked meat, they probably don't need any supplementation. But again, especially in the beginning, what you see a lot more of is low calorie consumption combined with only a few "keto foods" or "low carb foods" from Pinterest that are more about stuffing in extra fat without consideration for nutritional value.
If you're eating at a calorie deficit and you're using fat bombs or BPC to help control hunger or reach a certain fat intake (that parts not necessary btw), then I doubt there wouldn't be some lacking vitamins/minerals somewhere.
I don't say that to judge either, I drink BPC every day and I've always felt it a necessary diet hack so that I can extend my overnight fast much longer into the afternoon.
I think it ultimately comes down to weather or not you're eating a real food diet and eating enough of it. If not, supplementation might be a very good idea.1 -
I do think selective, need-based supplementation makes sense. In spite of always having had a pretty good diet (although a bit carb-heavy) I definitely have to supplement now. My blood tests over the years have repeatedly shown very low B12, D, and iron. I'm also horribly deficient in several hormones. I'm not young, and I'm not healthy, and my body neds help.
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@LauraCoth - You are not alone....
On top of our vast personal differences, it would be a magic trick for just about anyone to get enough Vitamin D a good chunk of the year, at least where I live.3
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