Fatty Acid Profile, Mineral Composition, and Health Implications of Consuming Dried Sago Grubs (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)

Abstract

A comprehensive evaluation of the fatty acid and mineral composition of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (sago grub powder, SGP), pre-treated to meet New Zealand import biosecurity requirements, was investigated. Palmitic acid (42.5% FA), oleic acid (39.0% FA), and linoleic acid (1.02% FA) were the most abundant saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid, respectively. Lipid nutritional indices of SGP fats were ω6/ω3 (2.17), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio (0.88), atherogenicity index (1.01), thrombogenicity index (1.65), and health-promoting index (0.99). Although there are no established recommended values for these dietary indicators, including them in a balanced diet may be advised to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. The mineral analysis profile of the SGP found 11 essential and 29 non-essential minerals, and 4 heavy metals. SGP was rich in important minerals such as potassium (1657 mg/kg DW), magnesium (805.3 mg/kg DW), iron (23 mg/kg DW), manganese (8.8 mg/kg DW), calcium (477 mg/kg DW), and phosphorus (2950 mg/kg DW). However, the Ca:P ratio (0.16:1) of SGP samples was lower than the recommended Ca:P ratio (1.3:1) needed for optimum bone health. Heavy metals such as arsenic (0.17 mg/kg DW), cadmium (0.04 mg/kg DW), lead (0.56 mg/kg DW), and vanadium (0.01 mg/kg DW) were detectable in SGP but were below acceptable toxicity limits. These findings indicate that SGP pre-treated for export is safe for consumption and contains appreciable nutrients, especially minerals. However, the nutritional and health implications of the elevated saturated fatty acid levels, low polyunsaturated fatty acid contents, and low Ca:P ratio of SGP should be considered when choosing sago grubs as a food source.

Chemical and Nutritional Fat Profile of Acheta domesticus, Gryllus bimaculatus, Tenebrio molitor and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

“…Consequently, in terms of human nutrition, the fat from insect species like Tenebrio molitor , Acheta domesticus , and Gryllus bimaculatus demonstrates a more favorable PUFA/SFA ratio than Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. The fat content and fatty acid profile of the tested insects were similar to the results of other studies [ 43 , 44 , 45 ].…”

Combined Analysis of Metabolomics and Biochemical Changes Reveals the Nutritional and Functional Characteristics of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae at Different Developmental Stages

“…For example, selling RPW larvae for food or as food supplements requires legislative action by government and commercial licensing, and many countries have established laws regulating the importation of edible insect materials to control this risk. For instance, live RPW and other edible insects are not allowed to be imported into New Zealand, but they can be traded through a biosecurity pre-treatment requirement involving the boiling, drying and so on [74]. Thus, biosecurity pre-treatment represents a mutually beneficial solution for both traders and consumers.…”

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae: A novel source for combating broad-spectrum bacterial and fungal infections

“…Another study showed that differences in food source of R. ferrugineus resulted in different fatty acid compositions, although with similar amounts of total fat and total fatty acids, as well as the same types of fatty acids which were myristic, palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, and α-linolenic acids [28]. Kavle et al [29] observed 44 minerals in R. ferrugineus larvae, including 11 essential minerals, 29 non-essential minerals, and four heavy metals. R. ferruginous larvae also contain an abundance of macro elements such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus and microelements such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper.…”

“…However, R. ferrugineus is a safe, insect-derived, and natural antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum and a low likelihood of inducing antibiotic resistance [8,12,49]. However, the low toxicity of R. ferrugineus [19,29] supports the notion that it is a safe, insect-derived, and natural antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum and low likelihood of inducing antibiotic resistance [8,12,49].…”