Quantitative isolation and gas–liquid chromatographic analysis of total fecal bile acids

A method for isolation and quantification of fecal bile acids is described which allows sterol balance studies to be made in man or in small laboratory animals without requiring the use of radioisotopes in vivo. Bile acids are purified by column and thin-layer chromatography, converted to the trimethylsilyl ethers of their methyl esters, and quantified by GLC with detection by hydrogen flame ionization. Recoveries are complete when internal standard corrections are applied, with an error