Coprostanol is formed via the biohydrogentaion of cholesterol in many animals by intestinal bacteria. It is widely used as a biomarker for human fecal matter in the environment, especially in regards to sewage pollution of water sources.1 Coprostanol can be converted to coprostanone, another important fecal biomarker. Whereas many sterols are found esterified in vivo rather than as free sterols, coprostanol is not usually found esterified and is absorbed through the intestine as a free sterol.2 After absorption through the intestine a small amount of coprostanol is converted to acidic, neutral, and water soluble compounds.3 This product is a high purity sterol that is ideal as an analytical standard.4
