Evaluating the nutritional content of an insect-fortified food for the child complementary diet in Ghana.

BACKGROUND

Due to rising food insecurity, natural resource scarcity, population growth, and the cost of and demand for animal proteins, insects as food have emerged as a relevant topic. This study examines the nutrient content of the palm weevil larva (), a traditionally consumed edible insect called in Ghana, and assesses its potential as an animal-source, complementary food.

METHODS

in two "unmixed" forms (raw, roasted) and one "mixed" form (-groundnut paste) were evaluated for their macronutrient, micronutrient, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles.

RESULTS

Nutrient analyses revealed that a 32 g (2 tbsp.) serving of -groundnut paste, compared to recommended daily allowances or adequate intakes (infant 7-12 months; child 1-3 years), is a rich source of protein (99%; 84%), minerals [copper (102%; 66%), magnesium (54%; 51%), zinc (37%; 37%)], B-vitamins [niacin (63%; 42%), riboflavin (26%; 20%), folate (40%; 21%)], Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) (440%; 366%), and linoleic acid (165%; 108%). Feed experiments indicated that substituting palm pith, the typical larval diet, for pito mash, a local beer production by-product, increased the carbohydrate, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc content of raw . -groundnut paste meets (within 10%) or exceeds the levels of essential amino acids specified by the Institute of Medicine criteria for animal-source foods, except for lysine.

CONCLUSIONS

Pairing with other local foods (e.g., potatoes, soybeans) can enhance its lysine content and create a more complete dietary amino acid profile. The promotion of as a complementary food could play an important role in nutrition interventions targeting children in Ghana.