Langton, Maud
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Termites are widely used as a food resource, particularly in Africa and Asia. Markets for insects as food are also expanding worldwide. To inform the development of insect-based foods, we analysed selected minerals (Fe-Mn-Zn-Cu-Mg) in wild-harvested and commercially available termites. Mineral values were compared to selected commercially available insects. Alate termites, of the genera Macrotermes and Odontotermes, showed remarkably high manganese (Mn) content (292-515mg/100gdw), roughly 50-100 times the concentrations detected in other insects. Other mineral elements occur at moderate concentrations in all insects examined. On further examination, the Mn is located primarily in the abdomens of the Macrotermes subhyalinus; with scanning electron microscopy revealing small spherical structures highly enriched for Mn. We identify the fungus comb, of Macrotermes subhyanus, as a potential biological source of the high Mn concentrations. Consuming even small quantities of termite alates could exceed current upper recommended intakes for Mn in both adults and children. Given the widespread use of termites as food, a better understanding the sources, distribution and bio-availability of these high Mn concentrations in termite alates is needed.
Keywords
edible termites; mineral analysis
Published in
Scientific Reports
2020, volume: 10, number: 1, article number: 6146
Publisher: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
SLU Authors
Moriana, Rosana
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
UKÄ Subject classification
Food Science
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63157-7
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/105714