Protein Content and Amino Acid Profiles of Selected Edible Insect Species from the Democratic Republic of Congo Relevant for Transboundary Trade across Africa

Abstract

This study analyzed the protein content of ten edible insect species (using the Dumas method), then focused on the amino acid (AA) profiles of the six major commercially relevant species using HPLC (high-pressure (or performance) liquid chromatography). The protein contents varied significantly from 46.1% to 52.9% (dry matter); the Orthoptera representative yielding both the highest protein content and the highest values in three essential amino acids (EAAs). Regarding Lepidoptera species, the protein content of Saturniidae varied more than for Notodontidae. Imbrasia ertli gave the best example of a species that could be suggested for dietary supplementation of cereal-based diets, as the sample contained the highest values in five EAAs and for the EAA index. Furthermore, first-limiting AAs in the selected insects have also been pointed out (based on a species-specific AA score), supporting that the real benefit from eating insects is correlated to a varied diet. Additionally, preliminary insights into AA distribution patterns according to taxa provided three clusters based on protein quality and should be completed further to help tailor prescriptions of dietary diets. Since the AA composition of the selected insects was close to the FAO/WHO EAA requirement pattern for preschool children and met the requirements of 40% EAAs with high ratio EAAs/NEAAs, the current study endorses reports of edible insects as nutrient-rich and sustainable protein sources.

Isolation and Identification of Antioxidant Peptides Derived from Cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) Protein Fractions

“…In a study conducted on the amino acid profiles of some selected edible insect species, species-specific deficiencies, notably in leucine, were reported. Nsevolo Miankeba et al [ 36 ] reported that the content of essential and non-essential amino acids varies between insect species; for example, in his study, the contents of Ile, Phe, Thr, and Trp in I. ertli (Saturniidae) were highest compared to those in other species.…”

Microalgae and insects as alternative protein sources: Benefits and risks

“…В Таблице 2 представлены значения уровней белка и жира в традиционной мясной пище животного происхождения в сравнении с одобренными для использования в пищу насекомыми. Съедобные насекомые соответствуют требованиям ВОЗ по аминокислотному составу, они характеризуются высоким содержанием фенилаланина и тирозина, а также триптофана, лизина и треонина [35]. Наибольшее количество белка содержится в кузнечиках и саранче (Orthoptera) и составляет 61% от сухого веса; также высоким показателем белка обладают стрекозы (Odonata) -55% вещества от сухого веса.…”