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

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) vs. Zinc (Elemental Zn)

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

Comparing:
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Zinc (Elemental Zn)

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 →

Zinc is an essential trace mineral serving as a structural component in over 2,000 transcription factor 'zinc finger' proteins and catalytic cofactor for 300+ enzymes. Adult RDA is 11mg (men) / 8mg (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 40mg/day.

View full Zinc (Elemental Zn) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Nutrient Type
Fat-Soluble Naphthoquinone Vitamin Essential Trace Mineral
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (No adverse effects reported) 40 mg / day (Chronic excess induces copper deficiency)
Chemical Forms
Phylloquinone (K1 - Green Plants), Menaquinones (K2: MK-4, MK-7 - Ferments/Animal) Zinc Picolinate, Bisglycinate, Gluconate, Sulfate, Oxide
Primary Biological Function
Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase cofactor (Factors II, VII, IX, X), Osteocalcin carboxylation, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) vascular calcification inhibitor Zinc finger DNA transcription factors, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1), Carbonic anhydrase, Testosterone synthesis, Phagocytosis
Deficiency Condition
Coagulopathy, Hemorrhage, Impaired bone density Impaired immunity, Hypogonadism, Delayed wound healing, Alopecia, Loss of taste/smell (Anosmia/Ageusia)
Top Whole Food Sources
Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Natto (K2 MK-7), Parsley Eastern Oysters, Beef Chuck, Crab, Pumpkin Seeds, Hemp Hearts, Chickpeas
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)
Adult RDA / RDI
11 mg / day (Men) / 8 mg / day (Women)
Copper Balance Warning
High zinc stimulates intestinal metallothionein which binds copper, risking microcytic anemia if copper is unsupplemented