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

Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

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

Comparing:
Potassium (Elemental K)
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Potassium (Elemental K) →

Potassium is the primary intracellular cation (140 mEq/L intracellular vs 4 mEq/L extracellular), maintaining the cellular resting membrane potential via the Na+/K+-ATPase pump and regulating vascular tone. Adequate Intake (AI) is 3,400 mg (men) / 2,600 mg (women).

View full Potassium (Elemental K) spec sheet →
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) →

Vitamin C is a water-soluble electron donor and antioxidant essential for collagen proline/lysine hydroxylation, non-heme iron absorption, and immune phagocyte function. Adult RDA is 90mg (men) / 75mg (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 2,000mg/day.

View full Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Potassium (Elemental K)
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Nutrient Type
Essential Macromineral / Major Intracellular Electrolyte Water-Soluble Vitamin
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (Whole foods; healthy kidneys clear excess; renal impairment requires clinical restriction) 2,000 mg / day (Avoid osmotic diarrhea)
Chemical Forms
Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride (KCl / Salt substitute), Potassium Gluconate L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate
Primary Biological Function
Na+/K+-ATPase resting membrane potential (-70mV), Cardiac myocardial repolarization, Endothelial nitric oxide vasodilation (lowers blood pressure), Blunts sodium-induced fluid retention Prolyl/Lysyl Hydroxylase cofactor (Collagen), ROS scavenger, Carnitine synthesis
Deficiency Condition
Hypokalemia (Serum K+ < 3.5 mmol/L): Cardiac arrhythmias (U-waves, ventricular tachycardia), Muscle weakness, Ileus, Hypertension Scurvy (Collagen breakdown, capillary fragility, impaired wound healing)
Top Whole Food Sources
Baked Russet Potato (with skin), Orange Sweet Potato, Spinach, Bananas, Atlantic Salmon, Black Beans, Hass Avocado, Coconut Water Red Bell Pepper, Strawberries, Citrus, Kiwi, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
3,400 mg / day (Men) / 2,600 mg / day (Women) (WHO Target: >3,510 mg/day) —
Dietary Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio
Ancestral human ratio was 1:4 (Na:K); modern Western diets average 2:1, significantly contributing to hypertension —
Adult RDA / RDI
— 90 mg (Men) / 75 mg (Women) (+35mg for smokers)
Thermolability
— Highly heat- and oxygen-sensitive (degrades rapidly with prolonged boiling)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Calcium (Elemental Ca) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Iodine (Elemental I) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Iron (Heme & Non-Heme) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Magnesium (Elemental Mg) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Selenium (Elemental Se) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Sodium (Elemental Na) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin A (Retinol & Beta-Carotene) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B3 (Niacin / Nicotinic Acid & Nicotinamide) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate / PLP) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B7 (Biotin / Vitamin H) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin B9 (Folate & Folic Acid) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin E (d-Alpha-Tocopherol) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) → Compare Potassium (Elemental K) vs. Zinc (Elemental Zn) →