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

Calcium (Elemental Ca) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

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

Comparing:
Calcium (Elemental Ca)
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body (1.0–1.2 kg), with 99% sequestered in hydroxyapatite bone lattice and 1% tightly regulated at 8.5–10.5 mg/dL serum for cardiac contractility, nerve signaling, and blood coagulation. Adult RDA is 1,000–1,200 mg/day.

View full Calcium (Elemental Ca) 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
Essential Macromineral Fat-Soluble Naphthoquinone Vitamin
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
2,500 mg / day (Adults 19–50) / 2,000 mg / day (Adults 51+) (Avoid nephrolithiasis / vascular calcification) None Established (No adverse effects reported)
Chemical Forms
Calcium Carbonate (40% elemental Ca / requires stomach acid), Calcium Citrate (21% elemental Ca / acid-independent), Hydroxyapatite Phylloquinone (K1 - Green Plants), Menaquinones (K2: MK-4, MK-7 - Ferments/Animal)
Primary Biological Function
Hydroxyapatite bone/dental structure [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], Troponin-C actin-myosin muscle contraction, Factor IV blood clotting cascade, Exocytosis neurotransmitter release Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor (Factors II, VII, IX, X), Osteocalcin carboxylation, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) vascular calcification inhibitor
Deficiency Condition
Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Rickets (children), Tetany (Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs of hypocalcemia) Coagulopathy, Hemorrhage, Impaired bone density
Top Whole Food Sources
Parmigiano-Reggiano, Sharp Cheddar, Whole Milk, Sardines with bones, Kale, Tofu (Calcium-set), Fortified Plant Milk Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Natto (K2 MK-7), Parsley
Adult RDA / RDI
1,000 mg / day (Men 19–70, Women 19–50) / 1,200 mg (Women 51+, Men 71+)
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Homeostasis
Serum Ca2+ drop triggers PTH secretion, stimulating renal 1-alpha-hydroxylase to produce active Calcitriol (1,25-OH-D3) and osteoclast bone resorption
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)