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MVM Calculator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q1. How were these prediction calculations developed?
A1: The data used in the prediction calculations were derived from a nationwide adult MVM
study conducted during 2006 to 2008 to determine nutrient values for representative
adult MVM products (n > 2 vitamins). Thirty-five commonly reported adult MVMs and 75
lower market share products were purchased in six geographic locations from various
market channels and analyzed for 18 nutrients at qualified laboratories. Results from
this study were statistically evaluated using regression analysis. Detailed information
about the study is available in the research summary report, which can be accessed
and downloaded from this web site.
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Q2. For what dietary supplements can these predictions be used?
A2: The predicted amount per serving information in the calculator is based upon data from adult
multivitamin/mineral (MVM) products. Multivitamin/minerals in
this study are dietary supplements containing three or more vitamins,
as defined by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
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Q3. Why were these specific nutrients in adult multivitamin/minerals (MVMs) chosen for inclusion in the calculator?
A3: A consortium of federal partners convened by the Office of Dietary
Supplements has established DSID priorities for products and ingredients
of public health and research interest. These priorities
are based on prevalence of consumption, public health interest, and
the availability of reliable analytical methods for specific compounds.
Adult MVM products were identified as a top priority because they are
the most commonly reported dietary supplement in the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The vitamins and minerals
in the calculator are the ingredients given top priority for analysis.
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Q4. How can these predicted amounts be used in nutrition studies?
A4: Analytically-based estimates of nutrient content of MVMs using data
from the DSID can be combined with supplement intake records to estimate
total nutrient intake from food and supplements. These estimates
can assist researchers to make more accurate quantitative intake assessments
and evaluate the nutritional status of Americans. DSID
can support surveys that estimate amounts of nutrient that are consumed from the use of
dietary supplements.
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Q5. How do I know what amount of each nutrient I need each day?
A5: Please refer to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) from Institute of Medicine (IOM):
http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/21/372/0.pdf (Accessed April 2009)
For %DV values, please refer to Guideline of Labeling from Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/2lg-xf.html (Accessed April 2009)
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Q6. What is the "Predicted Value"?
A6: The predicted value is the estimated amount
of that ingredient based on the labeled amount, as determined by
statistical regression analysis. Predicted values at common labeled
levels for adult MVMs are based upon the ingredient amount per serving
using the labeled serving size. Statistical parameters have been
established within a defined regression range for each nutrient.
For example, the defined regression range, for making predictions for
vitamin C includes labeled levels from 4 to 1000 mg. For
labeled levels above and below those amounts, predicted amounts are
not available.
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Q7. What are the "Standard Error for Predicted Mean" and the "Standard Error for Predicted Observation"?
A7: The "standard error for predicted mean" is the standard deviation
of a sampling distribution of means, calculated in this study by dividing
the standard deviation by the number of analytical values. This is the error
associated with the predicted mean for a large population of supplements labeled
at the same level. The "standard error for predicted observation" estimated the
error associated with the predicted mean for a single new observation, which in
this case is any individual adult MVM supplement product.
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Q8. How are the "Predicted Value", "Standard Error for Predicted Mean" and
"Standard Error for Predicted Observation" calculated?
A8: These values were calculated from regression equation information provided in
Table 1 of the DSID-1 release. Also provided is an example document, providing
equations and instructions for applying the data in table 1 to labeled levels for
adult MVM supplement products.
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Q9. What's the difference between a milligram (mg), microgram (mcg), and an IU?
A9: As metric units of measurement to quantify
mass, 1000 micrograms (mcg) equal 1 milligram (mg).
An IU (International Unit) is a unit
of measurement for vitamins and other specific biologically active substances.
The precise definition of one IU differs from substance to substance
and is established by international agreement for each substance. There
is no equivalence among different substances; for instance, one IU of
vitamin E does not contain the same number of milligrams as one IU of
vitamin A.
For example, vitamin E exists in a
number of different forms having different biological activities. Rather
than specifying the precise type and mass of vitamin E in a preparation,
the Supplement Facts label specifies the number of International Units
of vitamin E.
The mass equivalents of 1 IU for selected
vitamins are:
- Vitamin A: 1 IU is the biological
equivalent of 0.3 μg retinol, or of 0.6
μg beta-carotene
- Vitamin D: 1 IU is the biological
equivalent of 0.025 μg
cholecalciferol/ergocalciferol
- Vitamin E: 1 IU is the biological
equivalent of 2/3 mg (0.667) d-alpha-
tocopherol, or of 1 mg of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate
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Q10. How can I convert 'mg' to 'IU' and vice-versa?
A10:
To convert Vitamin A as retinol:
From
IU to mcg: IU * 0.3 = mcg
For
example: 5000 IU * 0.3 = 1500 mcg
From
mcg to IU: mcg / 0.3 = IU
To convert Vitamin A as beta-carotene:
From
IU to mcg: IU * 0.6 = mcg
For
example: 5000 IU * 0.6 = 3000 mcg
From
mcg to IU: mcg / 0.6 = IU
To convert Vitamin D:
From
IU to mcg: IU * 0.025 = mcg
For example: 400 IU * 0.025 = 10 mcg
From
mcg to IU: mcg / 0.025 =IU
To convert Vitamin E if the product
label has DL-Alpha-tocopherol as the ingredient:
From
IU to mg: IU * 0.9 = mg
For example: 30 IU * 0.9 = 27 mg
From
mg to IU: mg / 0.9 = IU
To convert Vitamin E if the product
label has D-Alpha-tocopherol as the ingredient:
From
IU to mg: IU * 0.67 = mg.
For example: 30 IU * 0.67 = 20.1 mg
From
mg to IU: mg / 0.67 = IU
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Q11. Which version of Internet Explorer do I need in order to use the calculator?
A11: You need Internet Explorer
version 6.0 or higher installed on your computer in order to use the
calculator.
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Q12. Why can't I enter values for Vitamins A and D?
A12: Due to the need for methodology development for vitamins A and D,
analysis of these nutrients was delayed. Laboratory data
for these nutrients in representative adult MVM products is being evaluated
and will be released after statistical data analysis has been completed.
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Q13. Why do I receive error messages when I enter certain nutrient amounts?
A13: Probably one of two events
has occurred. Either you've entered a value that is outside
the established range or a decimal value below which a prediction is
available for the statistical regression. Each nutrient has a
numeric range within a specific number of decimal places for which the
predictions are valid, which is shown on the screen for each nutrient.
Entering any value outside this range will result in an error message.
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Q14. What is the difference between the two versions?
A14: The "basic" version
displays the predicted nutrient amount only. This version provides
predicted values within a specific range of labeled levels for each
nutrient. The "professional" version expands the consumer
version to provide additional statistics for research applications.
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