Determination of vitamin D3 metabolites: state-of-the-art and trends

Abstract

The steps involved in the methods for the determination of vitamin D3 metabolites (namely, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) mainly in clinical samples are critically reviewed. Sample pretreatment (e.g. deproteinization, saponification, liquid liquid and liquid solid extraction, etc.) as a function of both type of sample and detection system, quantitation based on protein saturation and liquid as well as gas chromatography are discussed. The chemical principles on which the methods are based and the derivatization procedures, which facilitate separation and/or detection, are also commented upon. Finally, the future prospects of the research on methods for the determination of these metabolites are outlined.