

For example, vitamin D exists as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). IU measures how specific forms of vitamins are going to react in your body differently. The IU of a vitamin tells you how much that vitamin is going to make a difference in your body. So what does IU mean on vitamin labels? When it comes to vitamins and minerals, IU stands for the exact same thing: international unit.

Because it’s based on other international medication standards, you’ll be able to find consistent information from country to country. The IU measurement is an international standard that you can see all over the world. In other words, IU is a way of quantifying how much a vitamin or mineral should have an effect on your body. However, the definition specifically states that it’s a measurement of the biological effects that a biologically active substance will have on your body. This information is crucial to picking the right vitamin supplements. Keep reading to understand what does IU mean on vitamin labels and why it’s important. IU isn’t the typical standard of measurement for anyone who doesn’t have a science-related degree. Should you have more or less of this “IU” thing? How does this measurement compare with the bottles that say “mg” and “mcg?” If you’re haunted by these questions while you’re at the pharmacy, you’re not the only one. As you’re looking at all of your options, you stumble upon the letters “IU.” But what does IU mean? You’re not a scientist or a healthcare provider. You remember your doctor telling you something about increasing your vitamin intake, but you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for. You’re walking down the aisle in the pharmacy.
