RDA Unit Converter

About This Tool

Purpose and user intent: The tool provides precise unit-to-unit conversions for nutrient quantities and optional percent daily value (%DV) calculations. It targets nutrition professionals, researchers, educators, and health-conscious individuals who need quick, reproducible comparisons of intake against recommended values. It supports mass-based units mg, µg, and g and allows users to evaluate whether a quantity aligns with reference values. Assumption: DV standards are drawn from a fixed, maintainable table and are not a substitute for laboratory analysis or clinical advice. Exclusions: currency, time, and non-nutrient units are out of scope.
Core Logic & Features: Core capability is converting between mg, µg, and g for selected nutrients. When a nutrient is specified, the tool optionally computes percent daily value using a fixed DV table (examples: Vitamin C 90 mg, Calcium 1300 mg, Vitamin D 20 µg). Required inputs: value, from_unit, to_unit. Optional: nutrient for DV reference. Advanced: percent_dv = (value_in_mg / dv_in_mg) * 100, rounded to one decimal. Outputs: converted_value, to_unit, and percent_dv (if available). Validation ensures numeric input and recognized units; unsupported combinations yield a DV result of null.
Inputs & Outputs: Inputs include value (number, required), from_unit (mg, µg, g), to_unit (mg, µg, g), nutrient (optional). Outputs return converted_value (numeric), to_unit (string), percent_dv (numeric or null), nutrient (string). Example: 1500 µg Vitamin C to mg yields 1.5 mg and percent DV ~1.7%.
Algorithms & Calculations: Units are converted via a base-unit scale: 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 mg = 1000 µg, 1 µg = 0.001 mg. value_in_mg = value * factor_from_unit; converted_value = value_in_mg / factor_to_unit. If a DV exists for the nutrient, dv_in_mg = DV_value * (1 if DV_unit='mg' else 0.001 if DV_unit='µg' else 1000 if DV_unit='g'); percent_dv = (value_in_mg / dv_in_mg) * 100; rounded to 1 decimal. If no DV, percent_dv is null.
Error & Edge Cases: Invalid numeric input results in null outputs; unsupported units produce a conversion error. Missing DV for a nutrient yields no percent DV but still returns conversion; zero or negative values are handled by standard numeric rules (negative allowed with sign). External data (DV values) are fixed within the tool and not updated automatically.
Industry/Region & Localization: Uses metric units mg, g, and µg; DV references align with US dietary guidelines. For other regions, local DV definitions may differ; the tool does not auto-convert regional labeling standards.
Assumptions & Exclusions: Assumes nutrients with DV defined in the DV table. IU-based conversions are not supported here. Not a medical device or substitute for professional dietary advice; intended for educational and planning purposes.

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