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

Sodium (Elemental Na) vs. Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H)

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

Comparing:
Sodium (Elemental Na)
Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H)

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 B7 is an essential sulfur-containing water-soluble vitamin serving as a prosthetic group for five carboxylase enzymes in gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and branched-chain amino acid catabolism. Adequate Intake (AI) is 30 µg/day (no Upper Limit established).

View full Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Essential Macromineral / Major Extracellular Electrolyte Water-Soluble Ureido-Tetrahydrothiophene Vitamin
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
1,500 mg / day (Equal to 3.8 g table salt NaCl) 30 µg / day (35 µg during lactation)
Chemical Forms
Sodium Chloride (NaCl, 39.3% Na by weight), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG, 12.3% Na), Sodium Bicarbonate (27.4% Na) D-Biotin (Biologically active isomer), Biocytin (Biotinyl-lysine)
Primary Biological Function
Extracellular fluid osmolality maintenance, Blood pressure / volume homeostasis, Action potential depolarization (voltage-gated Na+ channels), SGLT1 glucose cotransport Prosthetic group for Pyruvate Carboxylase (Gluconeogenesis), Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (Fatty acid synthesis), Propionyl-CoA Carboxylase, Histone biotinylation
Deficiency Condition
Hyponatremia (Serum Na+ < 135 mmol/L): Cerebral edema, Nausea, Muscle cramps, Seizures, Coma (often exercise-associated from over-hydration) Alopecia (Hair loss), Erythematous scaly periorofacial rash, Brittle nails, Neurological depression / hallucinations
Top Whole Food Sources
Table Salt (NaCl), Cured Bacon, Soy Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pickles, Olives, Bread (Processed food accounts for 70% of intake) Egg Yolk, Beef Liver, Salmon, Pork Chop, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds, Sweet Potatoes
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
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (No adverse effects recorded)
Raw Egg White (Avidin) Interaction
Raw egg albumen contains avidin glycoprotein which binds biotin with Kd ~10^-15 M (the strongest non-covalent bond known), completely blocking absorption unless cooked