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DLM: Vitamin A Equivalents (2007)

 

VITAMIN A EQUIVALENTS

Vitamin A exist in a number of different forms having different biological activities. The mass equivalents of 1 IU are:
 

  • Vitamin A: 1 IU is the biological equivalent of 0.3 µg retinol, or of 0.6 µg beta-carotene

To convert Vitamin A as retinol: 

  •       From IU to mcg:  IU * 0.3 = mcg

  •       For example: 5000 IU * 0.3 = 1500 mcg

  •       From mcg to IU: mcg / 0.3 = IU

To convert Vitamin A as beta-carotene:

  •       From IU to mcg:  IU * 0.6 = mcg

  •       For example: 5000 IU * 0.6 = 3000 mcg

  •       From mcg to IU: mcg / 0.6 = IU

Source: http://dietarysupplementdatabase.usda.nih.gov/ingredient_calculator/help.php#q1