title: Review of food composition data for edible insects.
abstract: Edible insects are considered rich in protein and a variety of micronutrients, and are therefore seen as potential contributors to food security. However, the estimation of the insects' contribution to the nutrient intake is limited since data are absent in food composition tables and databases. Therefore, FAO/INFOODS collected and published analytical data from primary sources with sufficient quality in the Food Composition Database for Biodiversity (BioFoodComp). Data were compiled for 456 food entries on insects in different developmental stages. A total of 5734 data points were entered, most on minerals and trace elements (34.8%), proximates (24.5%), amino acids (15.3%) and (pro)vitamins (9.1%). Data analysis of Tenebrio molitor confirms its nutritive quality that can help to combat malnutrition. The collection of data will assist compilers to incorporate more insects into tables and databases, and to further improve nutrient intake estimations.
authors.affiliation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 1, 00153 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.affiliation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 1, 00153 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Diedelinde
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Persijn
authors.affiliation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 1, 00153 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Doris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rittenschober
authors.affiliation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 1, 00153 Rome, Italy. Electronic address: ruth.charrondiere@fao.org.
authors.forename: U Ruth
authors.initials: UR
authors.lastname: Charrondiere
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D016208:Databases, Factual; D002149:Energy Intake; D005504:Food Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007313:Insecta / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000517:prevention & control; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000032:analysis; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D009753:Nutritive Value; D013712:Tenebrio / Q000737:chemistry; D014815:Vitamins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D018977:Micronutrients; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins
keywords: Biodiversity; Edible insects; FAO; Food composition data; INFOODS; Nutrient variation; Tenebrio molitor; Underutilised