title: Differences in fatty acid composition between aquatic and terrestrial insects used as food in human nutrition.
abstract: Edible insects may be a source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The aim of this article is to test for differences in aquatic and terrestrial insects used in human nutrition. We implemented linear models and discovered that differences in the proportion of LC-PUFA between aquatic and terrestrial insects do exist, with terrestrial insects being significantly richer in particular omega-6 fatty acids. In conclusion, any kind of insect may provide valuable sources of LC-PUFA. Because terrestrial insects are more abundant and easier to collect, they can be considered a better source of LC-PUFA than aquatic ones.
authors: Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden. d.fontaneto@imperial.ac.uk
authors: Diego
authors: D
authors: Fontaneto
authors: Mila
authors: M
authors: Tommaseo-Ponzetta
authors: Claudio
authors: C
authors: Galli
authors: Patrizia
authors: P
authors: Risé
authors: Robert H
authors: RH
authors: Glew
authors: Maurizio G
authors: MG
authors: Paoletti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D017753:Ecosystem; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000032:analysis; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007313:Insecta / Q000737:chemistry*; D016014:Linear Models; D008954:Models, Biological; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009753:Nutritive Value
chemical_list: D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated