The presence of muscle cramps, Atkins explained, “means you are losing too many electrolytes.” Along with the ketones, one’s kidneys may also flush out critical electrolytes like calcium, magnesium and potassium, which may result in muscle cramps or worse.[191]
Atkins realized this potential danger and recommended his followers take potassium supplements. In fact, some people lose so much potassium they may need professional help. According to Atkins himself, sales of potassium supplements “of anywhere near the proper amount of potassium you may need are illegal over the counter; therefore you may need a doctor to write you the proper prescription.”[192] Even Barry Sears, the author of the flawed[193] Zone Diet, recognizes the danger the Atkins Diet might present: “Any meal that you have to take potassium supplements, there’s something wrong with that.”[194]