Vitamin D status in chimpanzees in human care: a Europe wide study

Abstract

While vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern in humans, comparatively little is known about vitamin D levels in non-human primates. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in overall health and its deficiency is associated with a range of disorders, including cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death in great apes. Serum samples (n = 245) from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed at 32 European zoos were measured for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Of these samples, 33.1% indicated inadequate vitamin D status, using the human reference interval (25-OHD < 50 nmol/L). The season of the year, health status of the animal, and the provision of daily outdoor access had a significant effect on vitamin D status. This is the first large-scale study on vitamin D status of non-human great apes in human care. Inadequate 25-OHD serum concentrations are widespread in the chimpanzee population in Europe and could be a risk factor for the development of idiopathic myocardial fibrosis, a major cause of mortality in this species, as well as other diseases. A review of husbandry and nutrition practices is recommended to ensure optimal vitamin D supply for these endangered animals.

Serum vitamin D in sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in range countries: A pilot study

“…Moittie et al. (2022) also found significant differences in Europe zoo‐housed chimpanzees between winter 25‐OH‐D concentrations (median: 47.00 nmol/L) and summer (median: 71.80 nmol/L), and that the provision of unlimited daily outdoor access was associated with higher 25‐OH‐D concentrations year round. Interestingly, the winter concentrations of 25‐OH‐D were similar to the median concentration found in this study.…”

“…Generally, in humans, serum concentrations less than30 nmol/L are considered severely deficient, 30–50 nmol/L insufficient or deficient, and serum concentrations more than 50 nmol/L are considered sufficient (Amrein et al., 2020; Sempos et al., 2018). Vitamin D status and its impact on general health are also a concern for chimpanzees under human care (Moittié et al., 2022; Strong et al., 2020). The range of serum 25‐OH‐D concentrations for wild chimpanzees or chimpanzees under human care in range countries has not been studied, and reference ranges for circulating 25‐OH‐D in chimpanzees are lacking.…”

“…The range of serum 25‐OH‐D concentrations for wild chimpanzees or chimpanzees under human care in range countries has not been studied, and reference ranges for circulating 25‐OH‐D in chimpanzees are lacking. Therefore, human reference ranges and cut‐off values have historically been used to evaluate the vitamin D status of chimpanzees under human care (Junge et al., 2000; Moittié et al., 2022; Videan et al., 2007).…”

“…Therefore, human reference ranges and cut-off values have historically been used to evaluate the vitamin D status of chimpanzees under human care (Junge et al, 2000;Moittié et al, 2022;Videan et al, 2007).…”

“…For this reason, most zoo chimpanzees are fed a diet enriched with vitamin D or receive vitamin D supplements (Carlsen et al., 2022). Although there are several studies on serum vitamin D status on laboratory and zoo‐housed chimpanzees (Crissey et al., 1999; Junge et al., 2000; Moittié et al., 2020, 2022; Videan et al., 2007), serum 25‐OH‐D concentrations have not been documented in chimpanzees living in range countries (either wild or under human care) despite their importance for overall health.…”