Vitamin D Content in Milk of the Rhesus Monkey

Area of Science:

• Primate Nutrition
• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Milk is a primary source of Vitamin D for infants.
• Human milk Vitamin D levels are well-documented.
• Limited data exists for Vitamin D in non-human primate milk, especially rhesus monkeys.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify Vitamin D and antirachitic activity (ARA) in rhesus monkey milk.
• To establish reference values for Vitamin D in primate lactation.
• To contribute to comparative studies on milk composition.

Main Methods:

• Milk samples were collected from 21 lactating rhesus monkeys via hand-stripping.
• Analyzed foremilk for 25(OH)D2, Vitamin D2, 25(OH)D3, Vitamin D3, and ARA.
• Utilized Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for precise quantification.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D2 and 25(OH)D2 were below detectable limits (<0.5 ng/g).
• Mean 25(OH)D3 concentration was 4.2 ± 1.8 ng/ml.
• Mean Vitamin D3 concentration was 6.1 ± 3.1 ng/ml.
• Mean antirachitic activity (ARA) was 1080 ± 480 IU/L.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first report on Vitamin D and ARA content in rhesus monkey foremilk.
• The established values serve as a crucial reference for future research on primate milk.
• Findings aid in understanding Vitamin D transfer and requirements in non-human primates.