Insects as sources of iron and zinc in human nutrition

Mwangi, Martin N; Oonincx, D.G.A.B.; Stouten, T.; Veenenbos, Margot; Melse‐Boonstra, Alida; Dicke, Marcel; Loon, Joop J. A. van

doi:10.1017/s0954422418000094

Cited by 98 publications

(102 citation statements)

References 68 publications

(97 reference statements)

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“…Cu, Mn, and Fe contents of T. molitor larvae grown on non-spiked wheat bran were close to values reported for mealworm larvae in other feeding trials 19,50 , underlining the micronutrient quality of the applied bran material. Yet, the metals were differently impacted by Zn-biofortification.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Dietary zinc enrichment reduces the cadmium burden of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) larvae

Keil

Maares

Kröncke

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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The industrial production of Tenebrio molitor L. requires optimized rearing and processing conditions to generate insect biomass with high nutritional value in large quantities. One of the problems arising from processing is a tremendous loss in mineral accessibility, affecting, amongst others, the essential trace element Zn. As a feasible strategy this study investigates Zn-enrichment of mealworms during rearing to meet the nutritional requirements for humans and animals. Following feeding ZnSO4-spiked wheat bran substrates late instar mealworm larvae were evaluated for essential micronutrients and human/animal toxic elements. In addition, growth rate and viability were assessed to select optimal conditions for future mass-rearing. Zn-feeding dose-dependently raised the total Zn content, yet the Znlarvae/Znwheat bran ratio decreased inversely related to its concentration, indicating an active Zn homeostasis within the mealworms. The Cu status remained stable, suggesting that, in contrast to mammals, the intestinal Cu absorption in mealworm larvae is not affected by Zn. Zn biofortification led to a moderate Fe and Mn reduction in mealworms, a problem that certainly can be overcome by Fe/Mn co-supplementation during rearing. Most importantly, Zn feeding massively reduced the levels of the human/animal toxicant Cd within the mealworm larvae, a technological novelty of outstanding importance to be implemented in the future production process to ensure the consumer safety of this edible insect species.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Dietary zinc enrichment reduces the cadmium burden of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) larvae

Keil

Maares

Kröncke

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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“…Mwangi et al. () suggested that locusts are alternative protein sources containing iron and zinc at a higher level than in animal‐based food sources for improving human nutrition. The contents of other microminerals (copper and manganese) in locust powder were extremely high and more than 100% of the RDA or AI similar to those in crickets (Montowska et al., ), whereas contents of sodium and potassium were insufficient for the value of RDA or AI.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutritional and safety evaluation of locust (Caelifera) powder as a novel food material

Ochiai

Inada

Horiguchi

2020

Journal of Food Science

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Insects are considered edible food resources with sufficient nutrients, but their nutrient composition and safety evaluation have not been fully investigated yet. In this study, we investigated the nutrient composition and the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of locust powder in male rats. In the acute oral toxicological experiment, rats were administered locust powder at a dose of 10 or 20 g/kg/dose, followed by monitoring general signs of toxicity for 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicological experiments, rats were fed with a diet containing 1% and 3% locust powder for 28 and 90 days. General signs of toxicity, body weight, plasma and blood components, weight and fat accumulation in tissues, and fecal fat excretion were investigated. The locust powder was rich in proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the acute toxicological experiment, no general signs of acute toxicity were observed at a dose of 20 g/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicological experiments, parameters related to red blood cell were lowered by the 3% locust powder for 28 days, but not for 90 days. Liver lipid accumulation and fecal fat excretion were increased by the 3% locust powder for 90 days, but the liver lipids contents were considered to be within a nontoxic level. Cecum contents and cecum short-chain fatty acids were lowered by the locust powder, which can be caused by its fiber and fiber-like components. In conclusion, acute and sub-chronic intake of locust powder had little effect on general, biochemical, and hematological signs of toxicity in rats.Practical Application: Edible insects are increasingly viewed as new sustainable protein sources for human foods and livestock feeds worldwide because of their high nutritional balance, high food conversion rate, and environmental merits. Here, we have clarified that a locust powder contains high levels of protein, polyunsaturated functional fatty acids, and minerals (iron, zinc, and magnesium), and intake of locust powder (3% in diet) had little effects on general, biochemical, and hematological signs of toxicity in male rats. Locust as an edible insect, in powder form, can contribute to human dietary needs.

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“…This is often to combat iron deficiency anaemia which affects more than a quarter of the children (Lopez et al, 2016). Many insect species have shown not only to have a high concentration of iron but also of zinc (Mwangi et al, 2018).…”

Section: Humansmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insects as food and feed, a new emerging agricultural sector: a review

Huis

2020

JIFF

301

148

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During the last five years the scientific knowledge on insects as food and feed has been growing exponentially. At the same time, the industrial sector is increasingly engaged in rearing, processing and marketing of edible insects. Considerable attention is given to the black soldier fly as it can convert organic waste streams and transform it into several feed, food and industrial products. The farming of insects has an environmental impact which is lower than that of livestock species. The profitability of industrial production of insects as feed depends very much on the availability and applicability of cheap non-utilised side-streams. Microbial communities and their relationship with insects deserve full attention as it may help in the conversion of organic side streams of low economic value. Nutrition and health benefits for animals and humans need further exploration, also considering that insects have the largest anti-microbial peptide reservoir of all animals. Plant health can also be promoted by using chitin-containing leftover substrates as fertiliser. As insects have only recently been considered as food or feed, legislation trails developments. Therefore, politicians need to be assured that rearing and processing techniques are such that insect products are guaranteed free of chemical and microbial contaminants. Consumers are becoming more and more aware that insects as food are a viable option. Insects need to be processed into ingredients, that can be applied for safe and appetising products. The insect sector is maturing fast, but still faces many challenges, which can only be met when all stakeholders closely cooperate.

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Insects as sources of iron and zinc in human nutrition

Cited by 98 publications

References 68 publications

Dietary zinc enrichment reduces the cadmium burden of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) larvae

Dietary zinc enrichment reduces the cadmium burden of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) larvae

Nutritional and safety evaluation of locust (Caelifera) powder as a novel food material

Insects as food and feed, a new emerging agricultural sector: a review

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