Tag: Biological activity

Before vitamin D could be reliably measured chemically around 1980, its potency was determined through a biological assay to prevent rickets. This historical context explains why vitamin D is measured in IU (International Units) and not mg (milligrams), a standard of measurement based on a substance's biological effect rather than its mass.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Unit (IU) is used to standardize the measurement of certain biologically active substances, such as vitamins and hormones, across the globe. This standardized unit helps healthcare professionals and consumers ensure proper dosage, regardless of the specific form or preparation of the substance.

Within the human body, millions of metabolic reactions happen constantly, many of which are catalyzed by proteins. An active protein is the form of a protein that is properly folded and chemically ready to perform its specific biological role.

Over 10,000 types of biologically active phytochemicals exist in plants, acting as a natural defense system against pathogens and environmental stress. These compounds, while not essential nutrients, offer impressive health benefits when consumed by humans, prompting increased research interest.

The conversion of IU to mL is not universal and depends on the substance, as the International Unit (IU) measures biological activity rather than volume. Therefore, there is no single answer to how many mL is 800 IU. The volume for 800 IU of insulin will be different from that of 800 IU of a vitamin, making this distinction critical for proper dosage and administration.

The use of 'IU' or International Unit on vitamin labels was established in the early 20th century to standardize the potency or biological activity of certain vitamins and other medicinal substances globally. This unique measurement system was created because some vitamins, like Vitamin D, come in different forms with varying levels of effectiveness, making a simple weight measurement unreliable.