ASKDOCTORANCA

ATTACHING MEANING TO METRICS
mcg (one microgram)
mg (one milligram)
g (one gram)
The “g” on labels means “gram.” A gram is about the
weight of a large paper clip; there are 28.35 g in an ounce.
A milligram, mg, is one-thousandth of a gram. A microgram
(mcg) is one-thousandth of a milligram, or one-millionth of
a gram. Some “micronutrients” are conveyed in mg or g
amounts (calcium, for example) or in mcg amounts, as Vitamin
B12. “Macronutrients,” like carbohydrates, proteins and
fats, are required in larger quantities and measured in
grams.
HOW DO WEIGHT AND GENDER FACTOR INTO NUTRIENT NEEDS?
The RDIs have been set to cover the general vitamin and
mineral needs of all adults. There are a few differing needs
based on age and sex. For instance, women often have higher
needs for iron than men, especially during childbearing
years. Calcium is another nutrient that experts have
recommended higher levels of for women, especially in
postmenopausal years.
IU = Vitamin Potency
“IU” stands for “International Unit.” That’s a
unit of measurement used to standardize the biological
activity, or potency, of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and
E. These units measure the activity of the vitamins, rather
than their weight. However, each fat-soluble vitamin can be
converted to a weight measurement.
Vitamin A: One IU = 0.3 mcg Vitamin A equivalent.
Vitamin D: One IU = 0.25 mcg Vitamin D equivalent.
Vitamin E: One IU = 1 mg synthetic vitamin E (d-alpha
topcopheryl acetate) or 0.67 mg natural vitamin E (d-alpha
tocopherol)
RDI = Recommended Daily Intake
WHY DO SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS RECOMMEND LEVELS HIGHER THAN
THE RDI?
The RDI is based on research findings of the amount of an
essential vitamin or mineral that is needed by the body to
prevent deficiency diseases. Recent and current research has
been investigating safe levels of vitamin and mineral intake
for optimal health. Although all the data is not in yet,
many health experts have recommended amounts significantly
higher than RDI amounts of certain nutrients, in order to
support optimal health needs.