Leg Cramps

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I started to get leg cramps last night in the calf muscle. My understanding is that deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium and zinc may cause cramping.

Two questions:

1. My Multivitamin says it has 10% magnesium and 200% zinc. Not sure, but I also may be getting these from my Protein intense diet.

2. I have really increased my exercise this week where I have averaged an hour of intense cardio a day. I do still drink 100+ oz Water a day and 125 grams protein a day.

Your thoughts?

[Geeewhy 30]

I was having a similar situation, started taking a potassium supplement and have had no subsequent issues.

[COnative 192]

ELECTROLYTES! Don't know if that is the correct spelling. I was getting leg cramps too and I am taking great supplements but when I went to my acupuncturist she recommended electrolytes and that was totally the missing element! You can get electrolytes without sugar or very little. I find the best at bike shops and REI stores. Good luck! I think you have an easy fix here and it's not an expensive one either which is nice!

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Thanks for the suggestions on use of electrolytes. I think increasing the intensity of my workouts this week probably reduced the electrolyte levels, I'll stop by GNC and see what I can find out.

[Jeffy 8]

As the previous poster mentioned, I would have to agree with it being your electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium etc.) It can be a couple of different lytes that's causing the cramping, but more than likely it's the potassium. A good supplement should contain your daily intake of them all, but if you find it doesn't go away, then see your dr because you may need to increase your intake of a specific lyte more than the daily recommended amount.