Absorption of a pharmacological dose of vitamin D3 from two different lipid vehicles in man: Comparison of peanut oil and a medium chain triglyceride

Abstract

The absorption of a pharmacological dose of vitamin D₃ from two different lipid vehicles, peanut oil, containing long chain fatty acids, and a medium chain triglyceride was compared. Serial measurements of the serum concentration of vitamin D₃ after dosage were made. The serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, the major circulating vitamin D₃ metabolite, were also determined. The analytical methods used were based on HPLC. In the fasting state, the serum levels of vitamin D₃ were significantly higher after administration in peanut oil than after administration in the medium chain triglyceride. When the vitamin D₃ dose was ingested together with food no difference between the two formulations was observed. Only small inter-formulation differences in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels were detected. The results indicate that the presence of long chain fatty acids facilitates the absorption of vitamin D₃.