Vitamin A (Retinol & Beta-Carotene) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
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.
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
|
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) |