Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)
Provitamin A from plant sources. Converted to retinol in the body as needed.
Data verified against NIHLast verified: 2026-02-01
IU → mcg RAEmcg RAE → IU
Result
0 mcg RAE
Conversion factor: 1 IU = 0.05 mcg RAE
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, WHO 2026
Common Dosages
| IU | mcg RAE |
|---|---|
| 2,500 IU | 125 mcg RAE |
| 5,000 IU | 250 mcg RAE |
| 10,000 IU | 500 mcg RAE |
| 25,000 IU | 1,250 mcg RAE |
Click any row to use that value in the calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply the IU value by 0.05 to get mcg RAE. For example, 10,000 IU of Beta-Carotene = 500 mcg RAE. Beta-Carotene has a lower conversion factor because the body converts it to retinol as needed.
Beta-Carotene is generally considered safer than retinol at high doses because the body regulates its conversion to Vitamin A. However, high-dose beta-carotene supplements are not recommended for smokers due to increased lung cancer risk.
Beta-Carotene must be converted to retinol in the body, and this conversion is not 100% efficient. The factor of 1 IU = 0.05 mcg RAE accounts for this lower bioavailability compared to preformed retinol (1 IU = 0.3 mcg RAE).