The Reality Reports

What A Multivitamin Can And Cannot Do: A multivitamin is a safety net, not a meal. Even a careful eater can miss a nutrient here and there, and a daily multivitamin can help cover those small gaps. It works best as a backup to a varied diet, not as a replacement for one. Shopping for one is simpler than it looks. Check the label for a full list of vitamins and minerals, look for a serving size of one or two tablets, and note whether the formula includes iron. People who take prescription medicine or manage a health condition should talk with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

What Vitamin K2 Does: Vitamin K2 is part of the vitamin K family, a group of fat-soluble nutrients needed for normal blood clotting and bone health. K2 refers to compounds called menaquinones, which range from MK-4 through MK-13. Two forms commonly found in supplements are MK-4 and MK-7. Vitamin K helps activate proteins involved in bone metabolism and other important functions in the body. ( Office of Dietary Supplements ) Vitamin K2 has attracted attention because of its possible role in helping the body use calcium properly. Research continues into whether getting enough vitamin K may support bone strength and cardiovascular health. However, evidence that K2 supplements can prevent osteoporosis or heart disease is not strong enough to treat them as proven therapies. ( Office of Dietary Supplements )