Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I Noticed lately that on days I supplement Magnesium, Potassium and Vitamin K, My skin gets really dry. Does anyone know if that is a symptom of too much of any of the above.

For reference, the Vit K is a K2 complex 2100mcg, the mag is chelated 250mg, and potassium is elemental potassium 99mg.

I only take 1 of each when I do.

edited Feb 10 2011 at 20:38

Elizabeth
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asked Feb 10 2011 at 3:32

Todd
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do you take any retinol, maybe in the multi-vitamin? – qualia Feb 10 2011 at 11:31

I dont take a multi, nor retinol – Todd Feb 10 2011 at 22:17

@Qualia Just out of curiosity, why did you ask about the retinol? – Flavio M. Mar 4 2011 at 15:12

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Excessive retinol is drying to skin and mucous membranes. – Katherine Aug 9 2011 at 1:12

These are truly minimal levels of mag and potassium. And I can't imagine any mechanism by which that level of K is problematic. Interesting though. I take all of those, often in high high doses (ie thousands of mg potassium, 1000 mg magnesium in divided doses, a mg k2 per day) and I've never noticed an issue. – Katherine Aug 9 2011 at 1:13

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ScottMGS · Answer 1 · 2011-02-10 03:46:38Z UTC

Since these are supplements and not medicines try giving them up for a week (or two or three) and see if the problem goes away. If not, it's not the supplements. If so, add them back in one at a time for a week or two and see which one(s), if any, cause the problem to start again. Then try combinations of the various pills. Also realize that it may not be the active ingredients causing the problems. All those pills have binders and fillers which might also be the problem.

Kimmie · Answer 2 · 2011-02-11 12:46:57Z UTC

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Do you eat much fish and/or seaweed? Another possibility is lack of iodine in the diet. This thread discusses it's connection to dry skin in more detail:

http://paleohacks.com/questions/4717/my-skin-seems-to-be-getting-drier-am-i-missing-some-nutrients#axzz1DealRLo2

answered Feb 11 2011 at 12:46

Kimmie
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	I've actually added seaweed to most dishes in the past couple weeks. Ususally a tin of Sardines daily. Other fish 1-2 times per week. – Todd Feb 11 2011 at 18:17
	I wonder if the sudden introduction of iodine has interfered with a feedback loop. If you're using a highly dense iodine source like L. digitata, then you need to keep careful watch over how much you're taking. I just take a small piece per day. – Travis Culp♦ Mar 3 2011 at 4:10

tnlakegirl · Answer 3 · 2011-02-10 17:11:36Z UTC

You might want to consider issues with chlorine and chloramine exposure via your public water supply. While the chlorine levels in your local water supply may fall into acceptable ranges, according to your water board, the exposure to even small amounts from bathing in the water is very unhealthy. My family installed a whole house water filter to remove chlorine and flouride from our public water about a year ago. The difference in the smell of the water, taste, and effect on our skin has been very positive.

Perry · Answer 4 · 2011-03-03 03:33:29Z UTC

Yea, since going paleo, I have that problem. I am questioning the supplements as well but I am leaning towards a lack, or more accurately, the overall reduction of omega 6 oil because just four Brazil nuts a day seem to help. I am currently trying to isolate variables and I am not sure what is happening. Could be low thyroid output as well.

My skin looks dry and pulls hard when I smile, it has always been soft and supple. In addition, my face feels like a rubber mask as though it is not real flesh.

This thread brings up more points on the subject.

http://paleohacks.com/questions/20932?sort=newest#sort-top

Jay · Answer 5 · 2011-02-10 14:05:38Z UTC

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what do you eat?

answered Feb 10 2011 at 14:05

Jay
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	Normally just some lamb, beef or fish. Occasional eggs, all of that cooked in pasture butter. Once in a while some spinach or chard. Occasional 1/2 russet after heavy training. Coconut oil once in a while. – Todd Feb 10 2011 at 17:04
	You might be deficient in omega 6 then. It causes dry skin. – Jay Feb 10 2011 at 19:28

ricechek · Answer 6 · 2011-02-10 16:33:37Z UTC

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Todd - I, too, live in San Diego and my skin's been SUPER DRY lately, as well. I've just placed the blame on the multiple Santa Ana conditions we've had for the past few weeks.

My lips, face and hands have just begun to recover from severe dryness.

BTW, I also take K2 with 5000IU D3 (in MCT), 200mg Mg citrate and 300mg potassium (chelated) daily.

answered Feb 10 2011 at 16:33

ricechek
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	Interesting for sure. Although I notice mine happens in the few hours after I take those supps. It may just be coincidence.. I'll have to keep tracking. – Todd Feb 10 2011 at 17:02
	My hands are dry in S.D., too. Not as bad as before eating better, though. – ScottMGS Feb 11 2011 at 6:38

luckybastard · Answer 7 · 2011-02-10 19:49:52Z UTC

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mine dries up horribly in the winter. i am starting to believe it's the dry heat in my house that dries out my skin. don't have the cash to put in a humidifier yet, so i just try to moisturize as well as i can.

answered Feb 10 2011 at 19:49

luckybastard♦
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Super dry skin - Toxicity?

7 Answers