Recent progress in stable isotope methods for assessing vitamin metabolism.
OBJECTIVE
Recent developments in mass spectrometric methodology, in particular the widespread adoption of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, have presented investigators with new opportunities to investigate micronutrient absorption and metabolism. This review focuses on recent reports of the use of stable isotope techniques to facilitate research into vitamin uptake and utilization in humans.


RESULTS
Stable isotopes are used principally in two ways, as analytical standards in isotope dilution assays and as tracers in studies of physiology. There have been a number of advances in both fields recently for almost all of the vitamins. In particular, the effects of food preparation and meal composition on vitamin bioavailability are being probed more widely than before.


CONCLUSIONS
A considerable amount of method development has been reported. We now have the opportunity to consolidate our understanding of vitamin metabolism to better inform the dietary recommendations for optimal health.
Bluck
Leslie J C
LJ
MRC Human Nutrition Research, Elsie Widdowson Laboratory, Cambridge, UK. les.bluck@mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk
D001682:Biological Availability; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007553:Isotope Labeling; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D007554:Isotopes; D014815:Vitamins