A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is more important than many people realize. Because of the state of the current food supply and the difficulty of consuming five servings of vegetables and fruits every day, few of us get all the nutrition that we need from food. Basic Nutrients 2/Day is a complete multi-vitamin/mineral formula that provides an excellent nutritional foundation to supplement a healthy diet.*

Per serving, it features 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 400 mcg of vitamin K (in K1 and K2 forms), plus mixed tocopherols, bioactive B vitamins, and amino acid-chelated minerals. Support for taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement (""multi"") is widespread. According to a 2013 survey of 12,000 individuals published in JAMA Internal Medicine, 32 percent of U.S. adults take a multi. The leading reason given was to improve overall health.*Groups who have a particular risk for a nutrient deficiency and who might benefit from a multi include teenagers, athletes, the elderly, individuals on a restrictive diet, those who have a chronic disease, and individuals taking medications that cause nutrient deficiencies as a side effect.

A joint statement issued by the American College of Sports Medicine, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Dietitians of Canada is particularly noteworthy for individuals involved in athletic activities: ""Supplements may be required by athletes who restrict energy intakes, use severe weight loss practices, eliminate one or more food groups from their diet, or consume high-carbohydrate diets with low micronutrient density."" A good multi-vitamin/mineral supplement could be considered ""dietary insurance"" to be certain all essential nutrients are consumed daily. Even greater health benefits can be realized when a healthy diet is combined with a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement.*