A new sensitive HPLC-MS method for the detection of sterol oxidation products was developed. The method was developed and optimized with commercially available cholesterol oxidation products. MS detection was carried out with an ion-trap mass spectrometer using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in positive ion mode. With this new method, both primary and secondary oxidation products of cholesterol and stigmasterol, including epoxides, could be detected. Applicability of the method was investigated using thermo-oxidized (180 degrees C) stigmasterol as a model compound. Formation and degradation of two hydroperoxides were observed and formation of eight secondary oxidation products quantitatively determined. In conclusion, this method proved to be a powerful tool for investigating oxidation mechanisms of sterols. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.