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At 12:48 AM 5/11/96 -0400, Larry Glenn wrote: > >Another question: Most of the messages I read refer to doses of Vitamin E >in milligrams (mg.) But for some reason the Vitamin E supplements I see are >always measured in "International Units" (IU). This is different than any >other supplements I have seen. Is there a simple conversion from IU to mg? > >Larry Glenn >[log in to unmask] -- > Larry: There is usually no simple conversion because the International Unit (IU) is based upon the activity of a vitamin. Vitamin E is one of the exceptions since 1 mg = 1 IU. For Vitamin E, the activity is determined using an assay called the Rat Resorption-Gestation Test (RR-GT). The RR-GT quantifies the potency of compounds with vitamin E activity by measuring their ability to prevent fetal resorption in pregnant rats deficient in vitamin E. Some other examples: Vitamin A, 1 IU retinol = 0.300 - 0.344 micrograms. Vitamin A, 1 IU beta carotene= 0.600 micrograms. Vitamin E, 1 IU tocopherol = 1 milligram Regards, Steve Duff [log in to unmask]