mcg to IU converter | Convert IU to mcg
The mcg to IU converter is an online tool that can help you convert the strength of your vitamins A, D3, E, and folate (B9) from micrograms (mg) to International Units (IU) and also from IU to mg. It is very easy to use as you’ll see.
How To Use This mcg To IU / IU To mcg Converter
To convert from mcg to IU, simply select the substance you want to make the conversion for. This can be Vitamin A, D, E, or Folate. After that, enter the strength of your selected substance in mcg and the IU equivalent will automatically be displayed by the tool.
To convert from IU to mcg, just select the substance of choice and enter the strength of your choice substance in IU, the mcg equivalent will automatically be calculated and displayed for you.
To restart the calculator for a new calculation, simply click the reset button.
mcg to IU / IU to mcg Converter
What is IU?
IU stands for International Units and is a standard measure used to quantify the biological activity or amount of certain vitamins.
For the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, along with some B vitamins like folic acid, IU indicates the precise quantity needed to produce a specific biological effect for that vitamin type.
Using IU allows standardized measurements so dosages and recommendations remain aligned globally across countries.
Why is IU used?
The IU scale was established to account for variability in potency of different forms of certain vitamins. While mass units like milligrams are fixed and exact, the IU more accurately reflects true biological activity – the amount actually available for our bodies to utilize.
For example, 1 IU of natural retinol vitamin A tends to be better absorbed than 1 IU of supplemental beta carotene vitamin A precursor. So the IU indicates the functional “strength” rather than just mass quantity. This helps ensure products have adequate activeness.
How does converting from mcg to IU work for Vitamin A, D3, E, and Folate?
To convert from mcg to IU, you need a conversion factor. The following are the conversion factors for the various vitamin types:
- Vitamin A
- 1 IU = 0.3 mcg retinol
- 1 mcg retinol = 3.33 IU
- Vitamin D3
- 1 IU = 0.025 mcg cholecalciferol
- 1 mcg cholecalciferol = 40 IU
- Vitamin E
- 1 IU = 0.67 mg d-alpha-tocopherol
- 1 mg d-alpha-tocopherol = 1.5 IU
- Folate
- 1 mcg = 0.6 IU folate
- 1 IU folate = 1.67 mcg
Vitamins Conversion Chart
Vitamin A – IU to mcg / mcg to IU Conversion Chart | |
---|---|
To convert from IU of Vitamin A to mcg RAE (Retinal Activity Equivalents), multiply IU by 0.3 | |
Value in IU | Equivalent value in mcg RAE |
2400 mcg | 8000 IU |
3000 IU | 900 mcg |
5,000 IU | 1500 mcg |
10,000 IU | 3000 mcg |
15,000 IU | 4500 mcg |
25,000 IU | 7500 mcg |
900 mcg | 3000 IU |
7500 mcg | 25000 IU |
700 mcg | 2333 IU |
Vitamin D3 – IU to mcg / mcg to IU Conversion Chart | |
---|---|
To convert from IU of Vitamin D to mcg, multiply IU by 0.025 | |
Value in IU | Equivalent value in mcg |
400 IU | 10 mcg |
500 IU | 12.5 mcg |
800 IU | 20 mcg |
1000 IU | 25 mcg |
2000 IU | 50 mcg |
3000 IU | 75 mcg |
4000 IU | 100 mcg |
5,000 IU | 125 mcg |
10,000 IU | 250 mcg |
50,000 IU | 1250 mcg |
Vitamin E – IU to mg / mg to IU Conversion Chart | |
---|---|
To convert from IU of Vitamin E to mg d-alpha tocopherol, multiply IU by 0.67 | |
Value in IU | Equivalent value in mg |
400 IU | 268 mg |
800 IU | 536 mg |
1000 IU | 670 mg |
Folate – mcg to mcg DFE Conversion Chart | |
---|---|
To convert Folic acid and 5-MTHF from mcg to mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents), divide mcg by 0.6 | |
Value in mcg | Equivalent value in mcg DFE |
400 mcg | 667 mcg DFE |
800 mcg | 1333 mcg DFE |
References
- WHO National Institute for Biological Standards and ControlWHO International Standard OXYTOCIN 4th International Standard; April 2013
- Hewitt W. Theory and application of Microbiological Assay; December 1988
- World Health Organisation WHO International Biological Reference Preparations; January 2016
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database – Unit Conversions; May 2016
- WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization WHO International Collaborative Study of the Proposed 4th International Standard for Prolactin, Human; October 2016
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About the Pharmacist
Pharm. John Mark (BPharm) is a licensed pharmacist with over 6 years of experience spanning clinical, community, and hospital pharmacy settings.
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