What are vitamin “IU” numbers?
If you take vitamins, you’ve probably wondered what the term “IU” means on the label of a vitamin bottle. IU or” international unit” is used to measure fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. The IU vitamin measurement describes the potency or biological activity/effect of these types of vitamins vs. the amount based on mass or volume.
The precise measure of one IU differs from one substance to another. That measure is established by international agreement for each substance. For example, 1 IU of vitamin A is not the equivalent of 1 IU of vitamin D. The IU is an agreed upon amount based on the amount of the vitamin needed to produce a biological effect.
This measurement is particularly useful when a vitamin, such as vitamin D, exists in more than one form. Since D2 and D3 have different biological activities, measuring in IU’s gives scientists the ability to compare the two.
The types of vitamins measured this way
Vitamin IU numbers measure the biological activity of the fat soluble vitamins. These measurements represent the amount of the vitamin needed to produce the desired nutritional effect. Vitamin D3 is one of the types of vitamins that’s measured using IU’s. D3 is is an essential nutrient because it assists in the absorption of calcium and promotes bone mineralization. It also helps to strengthen your immune system thereby protecting you against a variety of diseases.
The RDA for vitamin D3 ranges from 600 IU – 800 IU, but this dose can vary depending upon your age, gender, and certain health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and osteoporosis.
Vibrant Nutraceuticals Vitamin D3 1000IU chewable tablets come in a great tasting green apple flavor and are made with VitaShine — vitamin D3 that is sourced from lichens, plant-like mosses. It provides all of the health benefits of standard vitamin D3 which is sourced from lanolin, a product of sheep’s wool, but from healthy and naturally grown plants.
Converted into different forms
In addition to our D3 1000IU green apple flavored chewable tablets, Vibrant’s D3 comes in a variety of different vitamin forms – soft gel capsules, gummies, and sprays — as well as different IU dosages. Our plant based vitamin D3 400 IU spray is flavorless and easier to take and absorb. Spray it directly in your mouth or on your favorite foods. For kids, we offer a vitamin D3 200IU or 400IU spray with a mild orange flavor that kids will like.
No matter what type of vitamin D3 you choose, you’ll be getting a vitamin that is derived from an organic, natural source. Adding high-quality supplements like our plant-based D3 vitamins to your daily routine is a great way to ensure that you’re getting enough of this essential nutrient to stay healthy.
