Selenium (Elemental Se) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Selenium is an essential trace element incorporated as Selenocysteine (the 21st amino acid) into 25 human selenoproteins including Glutathione Peroxidases (GPx) and Iodothyronine Deiodinases (T4->T3 conversion). Adult RDA is 55 µg, with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 400 µg/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 Trace Element | Fat-Soluble Naphthoquinone Vitamin |
|
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
|
400 µg / day (Avoid selenosis / garlic breath, hair/nail brittleness) | None Established (No adverse effects reported) |
|
Chemical Forms
|
Selenomethionine (Plant organic), Selenocysteine (Animal selenoprotein), Sodium Selenite / Selenate (Inorganic) | Phylloquinone (K1 - Green Plants), Menaquinones (K2: MK-4, MK-7 - Ferments/Animal) |
|
Primary Biological Function
|
Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx1-4) lipid hydroperoxide neutralization, Iodothyronine Deiodinases (Converts thyroid T4 into active T3), Thioredoxin Reductase (TXNRD) | Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor (Factors II, VII, IX, X), Osteocalcin carboxylation, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) vascular calcification inhibitor |
|
Deficiency Condition
|
Keshan Disease (Endemic juvenile cardiomyopathy), Kashin-Beck Disease (Deforming osteoarthropathy), Impaired thyroid metabolism | Coagulopathy, Hemorrhage, Impaired bone density |
|
Top Whole Food Sources
|
Brazil Nuts (1 single nut provides ~70–90µg / 130–160% RDA), Eastern Oysters, Yellowfin Tuna, Halibut, Sardines, Beef Liver, Eggs | Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Natto (K2 MK-7), Parsley |
|
Adult RDA / RDI
|
55 µg / day (60 µg pregnancy, 70 µg lactation) | — |
|
Soil Selenium Geographical Variability
|
Plant selenium reflects regional soil content; volcanic soils (South America, Great Plains) are rich, while parts of China, Scandinavia, and New Zealand are depleted | — |
|
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) |