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

Vitamin A (Retinol & Beta-Carotene) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Vitamin A (Retinol & Beta-Carotene)
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble isoprenoid comprising preformed retinol and provitamin A carotenoids. Adult RDA is 900 µg RAE (men) / 700 µg RAE (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 3,000 µg/day preformed retinol, essential for rhodopsin retinal photoreception, epithelial differentiation, and immune cell proliferation.

View full Vitamin A (Retinol & Beta-Carotene) spec sheet →

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.

View full Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Fat-Soluble Isoprenoid Vitamin Fat-Soluble Naphthoquinone Vitamin
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
3,000 µg / day (10,000 IU) (Preformed retinol only; no UL for beta-carotene) None Established (No adverse effects reported)
Chemical Forms
Retinyl Palmitate (Preformed Animal), All-Trans Retinol, Beta-Carotene (Plant Provitamin) Phylloquinone (K1 - Green Plants), Menaquinones (K2: MK-4, MK-7 - Ferments/Animal)
Primary Biological Function
11-cis-retinal rhodopsin visual cycle, RAR/RXR nuclear receptor gene transcription, Mucosal barrier immunity Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor (Factors II, VII, IX, X), Osteocalcin carboxylation, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) vascular calcification inhibitor
Deficiency Condition
Nyctalopia (Night blindness), Xerophthalmia, Bitot's spots, Keratinization of mucous membranes Coagulopathy, Hemorrhage, Impaired bone density
Top Whole Food Sources
Beef Liver, Cod Liver Oil, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Spinach, Curly Kale, Butter Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Natto (K2 MK-7), Parsley
Adult RDA / RDI
900 µg RAE / day (Men) / 700 µg RAE / day (Women)
Hepatic Storage
80–90% of total body Vitamin A is stored in hepatic stellate cells as retinyl esters
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)

Other Alternatives to Compare

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