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

Sodium (Elemental Na) vs. Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

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

Comparing:
Sodium (Elemental Na)
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

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 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 / Major Extracellular Electrolyte Fat-Soluble Naphthoquinone Vitamin
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
1,500 mg / day (Equal to 3.8 g table salt NaCl) 120 µg / day (Men) / 90 µg / day (Women)
Chemical Forms
Sodium Chloride (NaCl, 39.3% Na by weight), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG, 12.3% Na), Sodium Bicarbonate (27.4% Na) Phylloquinone (K1 - Green Plants), Menaquinones (K2: MK-4, MK-7 - Ferments/Animal)
Primary Biological Function
Extracellular fluid osmolality maintenance, Blood pressure / volume homeostasis, Action potential depolarization (voltage-gated Na+ channels), SGLT1 glucose cotransport Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor (Factors II, VII, IX, X), Osteocalcin carboxylation, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) vascular calcification inhibitor
Deficiency Condition
Hyponatremia (Serum Na+ < 135 mmol/L): Cerebral edema, Nausea, Muscle cramps, Seizures, Coma (often exercise-associated from over-hydration) Coagulopathy, Hemorrhage, Impaired bone density
Top Whole Food Sources
Table Salt (NaCl), Cured Bacon, Soy Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pickles, Olives, Bread (Processed food accounts for 70% of intake) Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Natto (K2 MK-7), Parsley
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 reported)
Warfarin / Anticoagulant Interaction
Direct competitive antagonist to Coumadin/Warfarin (requires consistent daily intake)