Phyllis Adamson wondered why there is no uniformity for converting
International Units to milligrams or micrograms (or even ounces or grains or
other esoteric units).
International Units vary depending on the substance in question, because
they are units of 'activity' - i.e. How much of a particular substance is
required to achieve a particular effect.  The amount required will be
specific to the substance.  Pitocin is also measured in international units
and if I'm not mistaken, insulin is too, but the amount of pitocin and the
amount of insulin in one international unit is not the same.  When such
substances are provided in liquid form, the concentration is always on the
label, in IU per ml, for example.
It would be simpler if we could simply use grams or milligrams or
micrograms, and it seems to be largely a matter of tradition what we use.
In any case, it is important to realize what the difference is between
describing amounts in IU's or in weights or volumes.
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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