Calcium (Elemental Ca) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
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.
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
|
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) |