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Insects
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The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects
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The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Societies and Sociality".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 22866

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rudy Caparros Megido

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés, 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Interests: edible insects; consumer acceptance; insect farming; vector-borne diseases; mosquito; microbiome

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Edible insects are known to be very nutritious foods, although their nutritional composition is subject to important variations depending on the selected species and its growth stage, as well as external factors such as climate, feed, and post-production processing. In recent years, insect production has been widely promoted by the scientific community, but there is still a lack of accurate information on the food resources required for high-quality production. The objective of this Special Issue is to collect information on the nutritional quality and/or value of (semi-)produced insects on different feed substrates (host plants or feed formulation) with high production yields. Original papers dealing with edible insect nutritional value or composition, edible insect nutritional profile modulation, nutrient bioaccumulation abilities of edible insects, or the impact of breeding practices or preservative treatments on edible insects are particularly welcome.

Dr. Rudy Caparros Megido
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • entomophagy
  • insect farming
  • nutrient composition
  • food composition data
  • nutritive value
  • alternative protein source
  • fatty acids
  • protein
  • nutrition

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2180 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Compositions of Aquatic Insects Living in Rice Fields, with a Particular Focus on Odonate Larvae
by Witwisitpong Maneechan, Akekawat Vitheepradit and Taeng On Prommi
Insects 2022, 13(12), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121131 - 07 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1977
Abstract
Although the human consumption of aquatic insects is prevalent in many regions, the nutritional composition of the insects has not been comprehensively determined. The proximate composition of Pantala sp. was shown to be a good source of protein (49.45 ± 0.32 g/100 g [...] Read more.
Although the human consumption of aquatic insects is prevalent in many regions, the nutritional composition of the insects has not been comprehensively determined. The proximate composition of Pantala sp. was shown to be a good source of protein (49.45 ± 0.32 g/100 g DW), as well as of minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. All nine essential amino acids are present in this species, with valine being the most abundant. The major fatty acids are palmitic acid (1.19 ± 0.02 g/100 g DW), oleic acid (0.63 ± 0.02 g/100 g DW), and linoleic acid (0.55 ± 0.01 g/100 g DW). Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) showed a value of 0.18 ± 0.01 mg·kg−1, 3.51 ± 0.12 mg·kg−1, and 0.17 ± 0.00 mg·kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, microplastic (MP) contamination in odonate larvae (419 individuals belonging to three identified families) was found in varying shapes, e.g., fibers, fragments, and rods. FTIR analysis revealed the following MP polymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl acetate, bis(2-ethylhexyl), polybutadiene, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid); P(MMA-co-MA), poly(ethylene glycol) tetrahydrofurfuryl ether, poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene), and polypropylene glycol. The results of this work could be a nutritional reference for food security and the risk of eating insects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
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10 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Composition of Some Commonly Available Aquatic Edible Insects of Assam, India
by Mintu Sarmah, Badal Bhattacharyya, Sudhansu Bhagawati and Kritideepan Sarmah
Insects 2022, 13(11), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13110976 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1896
Abstract
The nutritive value of five edible aquatic insects of Assam—Hemipterans; water bug (Diplonychus rusticus Fabricius) family belostomatidae; giant water bug (Lethocerus indicus Lepeletier and Serville) family belostomatidae; water scorpion (Laccotrephes sp.) family nepidae, water stick (Ranatra sp.) family nepidae; [...] Read more.
The nutritive value of five edible aquatic insects of Assam—Hemipterans; water bug (Diplonychus rusticus Fabricius) family belostomatidae; giant water bug (Lethocerus indicus Lepeletier and Serville) family belostomatidae; water scorpion (Laccotrephes sp.) family nepidae, water stick (Ranatra sp.) family nepidae; Coleopterans diving beetle (Cybister sp.) family dytiscidae—based on their proximate and elemental composition, antioxidant and antinutritional properties were assessed by using standard methods of analysis. Analytical studies revealed that the selected aquatic insect species have high nutritive value and are rich sources of protein (50.03 to 57.67%) and other nutrients (fat, carbohydrate and crude fiber, etc.) along with superior energy contents (331.98 to 506.38 kJ/100 g). The aquatic insect species also contained appreciable amounts of major and trace dietary elements. Phenol and flavonoid contents reflect its high antioxidant activity (80.82 to 91.47% DPPH inhibition). Tannin (18.50 to 60.76 mg tannic acid equivalent/100 g), phytic acid (11.72 to 97.30 mg/100 g) and oxalic acid (2.93 to 5.34 mg/100 g) as antinutritional compounds were registered below the toxic level (0.52% or 520 mg/100 g). The present findings indicate that the selected aquatic insect species can be considered as ideal candidates for exploration as food and feed to ensure nutritional and livelihood security of this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
12 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
Bioconversion Potential of Agro-Industrial Byproducts by Tenebrio molitor—Long-Term Results
by Anna Bordiean, Michał Krzyżaniak and Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski
Insects 2022, 13(9), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13090810 - 06 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and efficiency of ingested feed (ECI) by larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. The growth and development potential of the yellow mealworm was evaluated by using chicken feed [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and efficiency of ingested feed (ECI) by larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. The growth and development potential of the yellow mealworm was evaluated by using chicken feed (CF), rapeseed meal (RM), wheat bran (WB), and willowleaf sunflower (WS) to obtain inexpensive and various sources of feed. The results showed that the fastest growth with shorter larval development time (74.7 days) was found for insects fed a WB 100 diet. Regarding the final fresh weight of larvae, the highest values were found for larvae grown on WB diets. However, the lowest FCR (1.53 to 1.59) was found for larvae fed RM diets mixed with CF and on the control diet (CF 100). In most cases, it was found that byproduct diets mixed with CF improve the ECI of mealworms, thus contributing to an efficient bioconversion of byproducts into edible sources of nutrients. Thus, except for pure WS as a feed, these byproducts can be used to grow yellow mealworm larvae and may be added to the versatile list of substrates and feed used by small- and large-scale insect producers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
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19 pages, 684 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Insect Flour on Sourdough Fermentation-Fatty Acids, Amino-Acids, Minerals and Volatile Profile
by Beldean (Tătar) Bianca Vasilica, Maria Simona Chiș, Ersilia Alexa, Carmen Pop, Adriana Păucean, Simona Man, Marta Igual, Kovacs Melinda Haydee, Kovacs Emoke Dalma, Sorin Stănilă, Sonia Socaci, Anca Fărcaș, Adina Berbecea, Iuliana Popescu and Sevastița Muste
Insects 2022, 13(7), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13070576 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2873
Abstract
Acheta domesticus (L.1758) has been recently accepted by the European Union as a novel food, being the third insect that has been approved for human consumption. Nowadays, researchers’ attention is focused on exploiting new protein sustainable sources, and, therefore, insect flour has gained [...] Read more.
Acheta domesticus (L.1758) has been recently accepted by the European Union as a novel food, being the third insect that has been approved for human consumption. Nowadays, researchers’ attention is focused on exploiting new protein sustainable sources, and, therefore, insect flour has gained more and more interest. Organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, aroma volatile compounds, and minerals were analyzed through HPLC-RID (High-performance liquid chromatography), GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), LC-MS (Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry), ITEX/GC-MS and AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry), respectively. Fermentation of the insect flour with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 strain (Lp) leads to an increase in organic acids such as lactic, acetic, and oxalic, whilst citric acid decreases its value. SFA (saturated fatty acids) and MUFA (monosaturated fatty acids) groups were positively influenced by Lp fermentation; meanwhile, PUFA (polysaturated fatty acids) decreased during fermentation. A positive trend was observed for amino acids, aroma volatile content, and minerals enhancement during insect sourdough fermentation, mainly at 24 h of fermentation. Acheta domesticus (A. domesticus) sourdough fermentation represents a new tool that needs to be further exploited aiming to improve the nutritional qualities of the final products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
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Review

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15 pages, 1005 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Value of Silkworm Pupae (Bombyx mori) with Emphases on Fatty Acids Profile and Their Potential Applications for Humans and Animals
by Mihaela Hăbeanu, Anca Gheorghe and Teodor Mihalcea
Insects 2023, 14(3), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14030254 - 03 Mar 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5703
Abstract
Bombyx mori is an ideal lepidopteran species representative of many scientific studies, a model of studies for medicine and a significant insect from an ecological standpoint. This review was performed to summarize the fatty acids (FA) composition of silkworm pupae (SP) that are [...] Read more.
Bombyx mori is an ideal lepidopteran species representative of many scientific studies, a model of studies for medicine and a significant insect from an ecological standpoint. This review was performed to summarize the fatty acids (FA) composition of silkworm pupae (SP) that are associated with other important compounds that could add value to SP, diversifying the ways of valorization. The proposal to complete plant-based feeds with insect-based feeds represents a viable option to beneficially impact human and animal health and the environment. The quality and quantity of fats consumed significantly impact the aetiology of certain diseases. The key compounds of fat named essential FA (EFA) substantially influence the prevention and treatment of several diseases through their nutraceutical functions. Due to its excellent profile in nutrients such as protein and fat, amino acids and fatty acids composition, SP has become an important alternative feed ingredient and source of EFA. SP is a by-product that was discarded in large quantities. Following the need to act to improve human health and reduce climate change impact, many researchers focused on studying SP applications in the medical and agricultural industries. Several authors noticed an improvement in the health markers by using SP. The feed cost for the animal was reduced with economic implications. Minimization of environmental impact was recorded. Few precautions were recommended regarding SP use, although they should not be ignored. The composition of SP and its potential for use in various industries provides us with persuasive arguments for continuing to develop the sericulture industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
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13 pages, 289 KiB  
Review
Edible Insects for Humans and Animals: Nutritional Composition and an Option for Mitigating Environmental Damage
by Roberto Ordoñez-Araque, Nadine Quishpillo-Miranda and Luis Ramos-Guerrero
Insects 2022, 13(10), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100944 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4059
Abstract
Every day, there is an increase in environmental damage on the planet regarding human action. One of the causes is food production. Edible insects are presented as an option to mitigate the environmental damage generated by the production of conventional food for humans [...] Read more.
Every day, there is an increase in environmental damage on the planet regarding human action. One of the causes is food production. Edible insects are presented as an option to mitigate the environmental damage generated by the production of conventional food for humans and animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the main nutritional aspects of insects and how they can provide a nutritional and sustainable alternative to the planet. As the main results, the nine orders of insects that are most consumed on the planet are presented: Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Odonata, and Orthoptera. Their main macro- and micronutrient aspects as well as their bioavailable and bioaccessibility proteins and essential amino acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fiber (chitin) are also explored. Additionally, some of the species that are used for animal food processing and the possible risks that insects can present when used as food are discussed. With this, edible insects are established as a real option to mitigate climate change being an important nutritional source for the development of food for humans and animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
22 pages, 642 KiB  
Review
Human Consumption of Insects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lepidoptera and Potential Species for Breeding
by Gloria Marceline Numbi Muya, Bienvenu Kambashi Mutiaka, Jérôme Bindelle, Frédéric Francis and Rudy Caparros Megido
Insects 2022, 13(10), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100886 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2576
Abstract
There are 472 edible insect species in sub-Saharan Africa, of which 31% are Lepidoptera. Wild harvesting is still the main source of supply for these prized species to this day, with some harvesting techniques negatively impacting the environment. The successful production of edible [...] Read more.
There are 472 edible insect species in sub-Saharan Africa, of which 31% are Lepidoptera. Wild harvesting is still the main source of supply for these prized species to this day, with some harvesting techniques negatively impacting the environment. The successful production of edible caterpillars requires the appropriate and efficient implementation of husbandry techniques and practices. In this review, we present current literature on edible caterpillars. We provide a general overview of their life history, nutritional composition, and availability associated with specific host plants, with emphasis on semi-domestication and rearing practices that should replace wild harvest. Based on the assimilated information, a proposal of potential species for farming is provided, with details on key characteristics of development cycles to promote the establishment and development of sustainable farms of edible caterpillars at small and large scales. Such advances would contribute toward reducing anthropological pressure related to the exploitation of these food resources, as well as the environmental footprint of this widespread practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Edible Insects)
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