![]() 25-OHD is the major circulating metabolite and the recommended biomarker used to measure vitamin D status due to its stability and long half-life 7, 8. Both vitamin D 2 and D 3 are inactive forms that are converted in the liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D 2 (25-OHD 2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25-OHD 3), the sum of which is referred to as total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD). Vitamin D comprises a range of fat-soluble secosteroids that are synthesised in the skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation (vitamin D 3) or obtained from dietary sources (vitamin D 2 and D 3) 4. Apart from the well-known role of vitamin D in calcium homeostasis and the musculoskeletal system, vitamin D has a wide range of other biological functions and prolonged vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a variety of disorders in humans such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and respiratory infections 3, 4, 5, 6. Vitamin D deficiency in humans is being described as a pandemic, and is associated with healthcare costs of billions of Euros in Europe 1, 2. A review of husbandry and nutrition practices is recommended to ensure optimal vitamin D supply for these endangered animals. 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. This is the first large-scale study on vitamin D status of non-human great apes in human care. 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. Of these samples, 33.1% indicated inadequate vitamin D status, using the human reference interval (25-OHD < 50 nmol/L). Serum samples (n = 245) from chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes) housed at 32 European zoos were measured for 25-hydroxyvitamin D 2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. 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. While vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern in humans, comparatively little is known about vitamin D levels in non-human primates.
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