If you are on Atkins, you have probably heard about Atkins Basic #3 multivitamin supplement. Dr Atkins developed it himself to support and improve the nutritional profile of Atkins Diet.
Unfortunately, Atkins Basic #3 is no longer available to buy. Atkins Nutritionals discontinued its production.
But we still have the formulation, as presented in Dr Atkins’ original book. So you can get a similar product, or a combination of products, to replicate his recommendations.
Dr Atkins position on supplements
Dr Atkins considered supplements essential for successful weight loss.
The subtitle to "Nutritional Supplements" chapter of his original book was “
Don’t even think of getting along without them!”
In addition to a whole chapter of his original book, Dr Atkins wrote a separate book about the benefits of vitamins -
Dr Atkins’ Vita-Nutrient Solution.
According to Dr Atkins, nutritional supplements can help your diet in many ways, beyond simply preventing deficiencies. They can help you to:
- increase your energy levels
- cope with Atkins flu symptoms
- reduce metabolic resistance
- push through a weight loss plateau
- speed up transition to ketosis
- curb sugar cravings
- improve your mood and sense of well-being
- protect your health over the long term
Read more about
Dr Atkins' recommendations on supplements...
Atkins Basic #3 formula
Atkins Basic #3 included high dosages of nutrients involved in regulating blood glucose and fat burning, especially chromium, pantethine, selenium and biotin (vitamin B7). It also contained antioxidants, probiotics and green tea extract.
Several versions of the formulation are listed on the internet, with some variations in quantities. The safest bet is to check the official Atkins Book -
Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution. Robert C Atkins (27 May 2009). Ebury Publishing. p. 301-307. ISBN 978-1-4070-2768-5.
Here’s the full list of
Atkins Basic #3 ingredients as listed in the book.
| Three tablets |
Amount per serving |
Daily Value |
| Vitamin A (as acetate) |
4000iu |
80% |
| Vitamin A (as natural beta carotene with mixed carotenoids) |
7500iu |
150% |
| Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate) |
360mg |
600% |
| Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) |
200iu |
50% |
| Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol succinate) |
150iu |
500% |
| Vitamin K (as phytonadione) |
5mcg |
5% |
| Vitamin B1 (as thiamine HCI) |
25mg |
1666% |
| Vitamin B2 (as riboflavin) |
25mg |
1470% |
| Niacin (as niacin/ niacinamide) |
20mg |
100% |
| Vitamin B 6 |
25mg |
1250% |
| Folate (as folic acid) |
600mcg |
150% |
| Vitamin B 12 (as cyanocobalamin) |
200mcg |
3333% |
| Biotin (vitamin B7) |
150mcg |
50% |
| Pantothenic Acid (as dcalcium pantothenate) |
60mg |
600% |
| Calcium (as calcium ascorbate/sulfate) |
250mg |
25% |
| Magnesium (as oxide/sulfate) |
125mg |
31% |
| Zinc (as zinc monomethionine) |
10mg |
67% |
| Selenium (as selenomethionine) |
50mcg |
71% |
| Copper (as copper sulfate) |
1mg |
50% |
| Manganese (as manganese chelate) |
5mg |
250% |
| Chromium (as polynicotinate) |
300mcg |
250% |
| Molybdenum (as sodium molybdate) |
30mcg |
40% |
| Potassium (as citrate) |
10mg |
<1% |
| Pantethine |
20mg |
|
| N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine |
60mg |
|
| Inositol Hexanicotinate |
50mg |
|
| Para Amino Benzoic Acid |
50mg |
|
| Citrus bioflavonoids |
50mg |
|
| Quercetin |
50mg |
|
| Green tea (20% polyphenols) |
40mg |
|
| Choline (as choline bitartrate) |
21mg |
|
| Grape Seed Extract |
20mg |
|
| Boron (as calcium borogluconate) |
200mcg |
|
| Vanadium (as bis-glycinato oxovanadium) |
40mcg |
|
Dr Atkins stipulated in the book that Atkins Basic #3 not a “magic” formula.
He advised that buying other products with similar ingredients is ok, although you might need to get several different supplements to recreate the mix.
Why is Atkins Basic #3 no longer produced
Dr Atkins founded Atkins Nutritionals to produce Atkins-compatible snacks and supplements. After his death in 2003, the company struggled.
Atkins Nutritionals filed for bankruptcy in 2005 and was later bought out by a private equity company.
The current owners of the company are not in any way affiliated with Dr Atkins himself or his family. They continue to sell Atkins-branded sweets and snacks. Some critics claim these products are not always compliant with the original Atkins Diet principles.
At some point during the company re-organisation, supplements product line was considered unprofitable and got discontinued.
How to replicate Atkins Basic #3
The general principle is to get a high-quality, iron-free and sugar-free multivitamin.
In addition, it should contain high dosages of vitamins B, C and E, plus chromium and selenium.
Read more about
choosing a multivitamin for your low-carb diet...
Atkins Basic #3 alternative - Nutri-Align Multivit
We developed Nutri-Align Multivit based on recommendations from nutritionists and leading low-carb diet authors.
As part of our research, we studied the works of Dr Atkins on supplements, including his rationale for Atkins Basic #3 formulation.
Nutri-Align Multivit covers most of Dr Atkins’s recommendations for a multivitamin. It includes high dosages of vitamins B, C, D and E, as well as extra chromium, selenium and green tea extract.
Nutri-Align Multivit includes higher dosages of magnesium and potassium, compared to Atkins Basic #3. The latest research confirms many potential benefits of these two minerals for low-carb dieters.
Nutri-Align Multivit is sugar-free and iron-free.
See the full list of
ingredients for Nutri-Align Multivit.
- The ultimate multivitamin-multimineral for low-carb dieters, with extra-strong B and C vitamins, chromium, magnesium, potassium and green tea extract
- Good alternative for the discontinued Atkins Basic 3
- Iron-free and sugar-free
Buy on Amazon UK
Buy on Amazon USA
