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Nutrients

B

broads

Well-Known Member
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How does I know if I am getting all the nutrients that my body needs? I am very low carbing and eat fruit and root vegetables in moderation, all other veg I eat freely. I have some cheese, meat, nut etc.
 
Hi Broads,

The foods you have mentioned are all things that contain the highest levels of vitamins, minerals and fibre. What you appear to have cut out from your diet is all the starches, which contain very little vitamins or minerals. If you are concerned about vitamin levels then why not try a daily vitamin supplement.
 
Make sure you are getting enough veg with B vitamins. That's the only thing I can think of off-hand which is mainly in bread products.
You could check on a vegetarian or vegan website for their advice. Vegetarians and vegans have to be careful that they are getting all the nutrients they need as it's easier for them to miss essential vitamins and minerals.
 
Hello broads,

You need to bare in mind that your body's demand for certain nutrients is increased while
it's having to process carbohydrate. This is particularly true for vitamins C and B.

Therefore, a low-carbers requirements won't necessarily match with those minimum
requirements which are touted for a carb-based diet.

Regards,
timo.
 
I did notice on one web site that if you take vitamin b supplements you should notify your doctor. I do not intend taking any supplements unless I am told to do so by the doctor.
 
Hi Broads
If you eat fruit and roots, even in smallish amounts, You are not strictly low carbing. Do you count the carbs? Under 50 per day is low, under 20 per day is ketogenic very low.
It was shown in about 1928 that you get all the nutrients you need if you eat nothing but fatty meat.
Carb foods tend not to contain anything essential, so you probably are OK
 
Talking of the B vitamins.

Does taking metformin reduce the bodys level of B vits? Is it worth supplimenting for this reason or as a low carber, should I not bother?

Thoughts and comments appreciated please.

Wiflib
 
Hi Wiflib,

Not all B vitamins, only B12 apparently. This is because metformin affects the metabolism of calcium and calcium is required for absorbtion on B12. Approximately 30% of people on metformin (and Glucophage) who have been tested have been found to have reduced levels of both calcium and B12 and calcium supplements are often recommended to overcome this.
 
broads the only way you will know is by having your diet analysed. If you see a dietitian then ask her - I do alot of them for pts. You have to be carful with all supplements , esp if you take multiple tablets as you can overdose on them.
 
Thanks Broads.

I should have done a bit of research myself and now I have your answer I have. I am not vegetarian and eat freely of meat, milk etc so should be ok. I suppose the only way to diagnose any significant deficiency is blood analysis.

What is interesting to me as a Midwife is that large doses of folic acid can mask B12 deficiency so well, neurological damage can still take place. Rare of course, but food for thought.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

wiflib
 
Hanadr. No I don't count carbs. I am still trying to get my head round it all. I do know that I omit loads of carby foods from my diet. I also know not to eat much fruit which I have limited to about 2 portions a day, didn't realise that fruit is a no no to low carbers. Must admit I have looked up loads of food in my 'carb counter' book but didn't think of looking at fruit. Will have to reduce my banana intake in particular.
Grief it's all so confusing. Never mind I am feeling very positive about it all, getting loads of exercise and loosing weight so I must be doing something right. Next thing I want is the result of my first Hba1c test I had yesterday. I don't get that until next Thursday. Am on tenderhooks. I so much hope it will be low. it is essential to keep my confidence up.
Best wishes
 
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