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

Sodium (Elemental Na) vs. Zinc (Elemental Zn)

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

Comparing:
Sodium (Elemental Na)
Zinc (Elemental Zn)
Sodium (Elemental Na) →

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 →
Zinc (Elemental Zn) →

Zinc is an essential trace mineral serving as a structural component in over 2,000 transcription factor 'zinc finger' proteins and catalytic cofactor for 300+ enzymes. Adult RDA is 11mg (men) / 8mg (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 40mg/day.

View full Zinc (Elemental Zn) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Sodium (Elemental Na)
Zinc (Elemental Zn)
Nutrient Type
Essential Macromineral / Major Extracellular Electrolyte Essential Trace Mineral
Chemical Forms
Sodium Chloride (NaCl, 39.3% Na by weight), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG, 12.3% Na), Sodium Bicarbonate (27.4% Na) Zinc Picolinate, Bisglycinate, Gluconate, Sulfate, Oxide
Primary Biological Function
Extracellular fluid osmolality maintenance, Blood pressure / volume homeostasis, Action potential depolarization (voltage-gated Na+ channels), SGLT1 glucose cotransport Zinc finger DNA transcription factors, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1), Carbonic anhydrase, Testosterone synthesis, Phagocytosis
Deficiency Condition
Hyponatremia (Serum Na+ < 135 mmol/L): Cerebral edema, Nausea, Muscle cramps, Seizures, Coma (often exercise-associated from over-hydration) Impaired immunity, Hypogonadism, Delayed wound healing, Alopecia, Loss of taste/smell (Anosmia/Ageusia)
Top Whole Food Sources
Table Salt (NaCl), Cured Bacon, Soy Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pickles, Olives, Bread (Processed food accounts for 70% of intake) Eastern Oysters, Beef Chuck, Crab, Pumpkin Seeds, Hemp Hearts, Chickpeas
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
— 11 mg / day (Men) / 8 mg / day (Women)
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
— 40 mg / day (Chronic excess induces copper deficiency)
Copper Balance Warning
— High zinc stimulates intestinal metallothionein which binds copper, risking microcytic anemia if copper is unsupplemented

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