Solubility of vitamin d
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Solubility of Vitamin D: Insights from Recent Research
Solubility of Vitamin D3 in Various Solvents
Solubility in Mono Solvents
Vitamin D3, a fat-soluble vitamin, exhibits varying solubility in different mono solvents. Research has shown that vitamin D3 is practically insoluble in water, with a mole fraction solubility of 1.03 × 10⁻⁶ at 298.2 K1. In contrast, it is very soluble in organic solvents such as Transcutol® (4.03 × 10⁻¹), isopropanol (2.45 × 10⁻¹), ethyl acetate (1.95 × 10⁻¹), and ethanol (1.77 × 10⁻¹) at the same temperature1. These findings indicate that vitamin D3's solubility is significantly higher in organic solvents compared to water.
Solubility in Organic Solvents
Further studies have measured the solubility of vitamin D3 in six organic solvents, revealing a descending order of solubility: propan-1-ol > ethanol > ethyl ethanoate > propan-2-one > methanol > ethanenitrile. The highest solubility was observed in propan-1-ol (0.193 mole fraction at 273.2 K), while the lowest was in ethanenitrile (7.61 × 10⁻⁵ mole fraction at 248.2 K)3. This data underscores the variability in solubility depending on the solvent used.
Solubility in Transcutol® and Water Mixtures
An environmentally benign HPLC-UV method has been developed to measure the thermodynamic solubility of vitamin D3 in Transcutol® and water mixtures. The highest solubility was found in neat Transcutol® (4.04 × 10⁻¹ mole fraction at 298.2 K), while the lowest was in neat water (1.97 × 10⁻⁷ mole fraction at 273.2 K)2. This method provides a reliable way to assess vitamin D3 solubility in mixed solvent systems.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Solubility
Endothermic and Entropy-Driven Dissolution
Thermodynamic analysis of vitamin D3 solubility data indicates that the dissolution process is endothermic and entropy-driven across all solvents studied1 2. This means that the solubility of vitamin D3 increases with temperature, and the process is driven by an increase in disorder or randomness in the system.
Enhancing Solubility and Bioavailability
Use of Solubilizing Agents
The limited solubility of vitamin D3 in water poses challenges for its bioavailability. Various solubilizing agents have been evaluated to improve the solubility and stability of vitamin D3 in different formulations. For instance, alpha-lactalbumin has been identified as a promising carrier for vitamin D3, enhancing its solubility and protecting it from degradation7. Similarly, β-lactoglobulin-based coagulum has been shown to significantly increase the water solubility and stability of vitamin D3, leading to improved bioavailability in vivo9.
Protein-Polysaccharide Complexes
Protein-polysaccharide complexes, such as those formed between β-lactoglobulin and cress seed mucilage, have been used to encapsulate vitamin D3. These complexes protect vitamin D3 in acidic environments and facilitate its sustained release in simulated intestinal fluid, thereby enhancing its bioavailability10.
Conclusion
The solubility of vitamin D3 varies significantly across different solvents, with organic solvents generally providing higher solubility compared to water. Thermodynamic analyses reveal that the dissolution of vitamin D3 is endothermic and entropy-driven. To address the challenges of low water solubility and improve bioavailability, various solubilizing agents and encapsulation techniques have been explored, showing promising results in enhancing the stability and bioavailability of vitamin D3. These advancements hold potential for improving the efficacy of vitamin D3 supplements and formulations.
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