# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Sodium (Elemental Na) vs. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate / PLP)

Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Sodium (Elemental Na)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate / PLP)

Sodium is the principal extracellular cation (135–145 mEq/L extracellular), maintaining extracellular fluid volume, plasma osmolality, and driving secondary active transport. Adequate Intake (AI) is 1,500 mg/day, with a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) limit of 2,300 mg/day.

View full Sodium (Elemental Na) spec sheet →

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble pyridine vitamin acting via its active coenzyme Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate (PLP) in over 140 amino acid decarboxylation, transamination, and neurotransmitter synthesis reactions. Adult RDA is 1.3–1.7 mg, with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 100 mg/day.

View full Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate / PLP) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Essential Macromineral / Major Extracellular Electrolyte Water-Soluble Pyridine Vitamin
Chemical Forms
Sodium Chloride (NaCl, 39.3% Na by weight), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG, 12.3% Na), Sodium Bicarbonate (27.4% Na) Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate (PLP, active coenzyme), Pyridoxine HCl, Pyridoxamine
Primary Biological Function
Extracellular fluid osmolality maintenance, Blood pressure / volume homeostasis, Action potential depolarization (voltage-gated Na+ channels), SGLT1 glucose cotransport Transamination / deamination of amino acids, Serotonin / Dopamine / GABA synthesis from amino acids, Glycogen phosphorylase cofactor, Heme synthesis
Deficiency Condition
Hyponatremia (Serum Na+ < 135 mmol/L): Cerebral edema, Nausea, Muscle cramps, Seizures, Coma (often exercise-associated from over-hydration) Microcytic sideroblastic anemia, Seborrheic dermatitis, Cheilosis, Peripheral neuropathy, Convulsions
Top Whole Food Sources
Table Salt (NaCl), Cured Bacon, Soy Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pickles, Olives, Bread (Processed food accounts for 70% of intake) Chickpeas, Wild Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna, Beef Liver, Chicken Breast, Russet Potatoes, Bananas
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
1,500 mg / day (Equal to 3.8 g table salt NaCl)
Chronic Disease Limit (CDRR)
2,300 mg / day (Equal to 5.8 g table salt / 1 level teaspoon)
Renal Renin-Angiotensin System
Juxtaglomerular apparatus senses low tubular sodium/pressure, secreting renin to stimulate aldosterone and renal Na+ reabsorption
Adult RDA / RDI
1.3 mg / day (Adults 19–50) / 1.7 mg (Men 51+) / 1.5 mg (Women 51+)
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
100 mg / day (US FDA/NIH) / 12 mg / day (EFSA, revised down from 25mg in 2023) (Avoid sensory peripheral neuropathy)
Neurotoxicity Threshold
Chronic megadosing of Pyridoxine HCl (>200–500mg/day) causes reversible sensory neuropathy due to competitive inhibition of tissue PLP