Iodine (Elemental I) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Iodine is an essential halogen trace element required exclusively as an essential structural component of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), regulating metabolic rate, cellular respiration, and fetal neurodevelopment. Adult RDA is 150 µg, with an Upper Limit of 1,100 µg/day.
Vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble naphthoquinone synthesized by photosynthetic plants. Adequate Intake (AI) is 120µg (men) / 90µg (women), acting as an essential cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase in blood clotting and osteocalcin bone mineralization.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nutrient Type
|
Essential Trace Halogen Element | Fat-Soluble Naphthoquinone Vitamin |
|
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
|
1,100 µg / day (Avoid Wolff-Chaikoff thyroid autoregulatory shutdown) | None Established (No adverse effects reported) |
|
Chemical Forms
|
Iodide (I- / Potassium Iodide KI, Potassium Iodate KIO3 in iodized salt), Molecular Iodine | Phylloquinone (K1 - Green Plants), Menaquinones (K2: MK-4, MK-7 - Ferments/Animal) |
|
Primary Biological Function
|
Constituent of Thyroxine (T4, 4 iodine atoms / 65% by weight) and Triiodothyronine (T3, 3 iodine atoms / 59% by weight) | Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor (Factors II, VII, IX, X), Osteocalcin carboxylation, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) vascular calcification inhibitor |
|
Deficiency Condition
|
Endemic Goiter (Compensatory thyroid enlargement), Congenital Hypothyroidism / Cretinism (Permanent neurodevelopmental impairment), Maternal miscarriages | Coagulopathy, Hemorrhage, Impaired bone density |
|
Top Whole Food Sources
|
Kombu Kelp, Nori Seaweed, Atlantic Cod, Eastern Oysters, Iodized Table Salt, Greek Yogurt, Dairy Milk, Eggs | Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Natto (K2 MK-7), Parsley |
|
Adult RDA / RDI
|
150 µg / day (220 µg pregnancy / 290 µg lactation) | — |
|
Iodized Salt Public Health Impact
|
Universal salt iodization (45–75 mg KI / kg salt) is hailed as one of the greatest global public health achievements, eradicating cretinism worldwide | — |
|
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
|
— | 120 µg / day (Men) / 90 µg / day (Women) |
|
Warfarin / Anticoagulant Interaction
|
— | Direct competitive antagonist to Coumadin/Warfarin (requires consistent daily intake) |