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

Sodium (Elemental Na) vs. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

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

Comparing:
Sodium (Elemental Na)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

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 B2 is an essential water-soluble isoalloxazine vitamin serving as the core structural component of Flavin Mononucleotide (FMN) and Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) coenzymes in cellular redox respiration. Adult RDA is 1.3 mg (men) / 1.1 mg (women).

View full Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Essential Macromineral / Major Extracellular Electrolyte Water-Soluble Isoalloxazine Vitamin
Chemical Forms
Sodium Chloride (NaCl, 39.3% Na by weight), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG, 12.3% Na), Sodium Bicarbonate (27.4% Na) Riboflavin, Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate (FMN), Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD)
Primary Biological Function
Extracellular fluid osmolality maintenance, Blood pressure / volume homeostasis, Action potential depolarization (voltage-gated Na+ channels), SGLT1 glucose cotransport Complex I and Complex II mitochondrial electron transport chain cytochromes, Glutathione Reductase, B6/Folate activation
Deficiency Condition
Hyponatremia (Serum Na+ < 135 mmol/L): Cerebral edema, Nausea, Muscle cramps, Seizures, Coma (often exercise-associated from over-hydration) Ariboflavinosis (Angular cheilitis / cracked lip corners, glossitis / magenta tongue, seborrheic dermatitis)
Top Whole Food Sources
Table Salt (NaCl), Cured Bacon, Soy Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pickles, Olives, Bread (Processed food accounts for 70% of intake) Beef Liver, Dairy Milk, Greek Yogurt, Eggs, Almonds, Portobello Mushrooms, Spinach
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 (Men) / 1.1 mg / day (Women)
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (Saturates intestinal absorption at ~27mg; excreted as harmless bright yellow urine)
Photodegradation Vulnerability
Extremely light-sensitive (dairy milk stored in clear glass loses 50% riboflavin within 2 hours of sunlight exposure)