Nutritional value of insects and ways to manipulate their composition

Abstract

This article reports on the nutrients present in insects and factors affecting their variability. Data on protein content and amino acid profiles of a variety of insect species are discussed and their amino acid profiles compared to nutrient requirements of growing broiler chicks, catfish, trout, swine, and human adults and young children. Both in vitro and in vivo protein digestibility data for a variety of insect species is presented and factors affecting these data are discussed. Furthermore, the fat content and fatty acid profiles of a variety of insect species is reviewed, with special attention on omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Information on carbohydrates, fibre and chitin in insects is shown along with potential effects on nutrient availability. This is followed by a discussion of essential minerals in insects with an emphasis on calcium and phosphorus. Data on insect vitamin content is shown along with a discussion of antinutritional factors such as phytate and thiaminase, which can adversely affect their nutritional value. Dietary effects on insect nutrient composition are reviewed with an emphasis on essential minerals, heavy metals, vitamin E, and carotenoids. Lastly, the effects of processing, including protein extraction and various cooking methods on insect composition are discussed. In summary, this article provides an overview of the nutrient content of insects, and how select nutrients can be altered.

The Superworm, Zophobas morio (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae): A ‘Sleeping Giant’ in Nutrient Sources

“…The variability observed among the results of the different studies regarding the body composition of Z. morio individuals may be due to the various diets used for its rearing ( Payne et al 2016 , Oonincx and Finke 2020 ). Several studies with other insect species have shown that diet is a major determinant with regard to the insect body nutrient composition ( Oonincx and van der Poel 2010 , Danieli et al 2019 ).…”

Advancing edible insects as food and feed in a circular economy

“…Another issue that companies must deal with is whether they can optimise the genetic make-up of their population to enhance production, waste conversion, and nutritional values. The other question for companies is the nutritional composition of the insects (whether this can be improved; see the article of Oonincx and Finke (2021).…”

“…They discuss the value of such information when breeding a population in captivity while attempting to optimise its genetic makeup as a means to enhance production, waste conversion, and nutritional value. Oonincx and Finke (2021) in this issue provide details of how insects, much like other livestock, can be manipulated to a certain extent in terms of their nutritional composition. The same authors previously gave an overview of the (a) biotic factors that may influence nutrition (Finke and Oonincx, 2014).…”

“…Insect processing may destroy vitamins and denature proteins due to heat. Oonincx and Finke (2021) point out that the slogan 'you are what you eat' also relates to negative aspects of the process -whereby contaminates, such as heavy metals, can bioaccumulate in insects. In conclusion, diet can strongly affect the concentration of most nutrients, but has much less of an impact on amino acids and minerals.…”

Introducing the special issue: ‘Advancement of insects as food and feed in a circular economy’

“…A core issue with insect rearing and a major concern is colony health (Maciel-Vergara et al, 2021). While insects can be mass produced, manipulating their nutritional value is a key question (Oonincx and Finke, 2021). Furthermore, what is the role of genetics in improving the performance of mass produced insects (Eriksson and Picard, 2021)?…”