Evaluation of the Mineral Content and Their Bioavailability in <i>Macrotermes subhyalinus</i> (Winged, Queen and Soldier)

Abstract

Edible insects are an important source of nutrients that can help to cover certain nutritional deficiencies. This is the case with <i>Macrotermes subhyalinus</i>, a species of termite widely consumed in Côte d'Ivoire. This study was carried out to assess the mineral content and their bioavailability in the different castes (winged, queen and soldier) of this species. For this, the levels of antinutritional factors, the levels of minerals and their bioavailability were determined. Magnesium and potassium contents vary respectively from 977.18 mg/100g DM to 1405.45 mg/100g DM and from 6658.20 mg/100g DM to 9879.38 mg/100g DM. The winged <i>M. subhyalinus</i> had the higher levels of copper (62 mg/100g DM) and manganese (2867 mg/100g DM). While the queen had the highest values for sodium (2158.9 mg/100g DM) and selenium (0.67 mg/100g DM). As for <i>M. subhyalinus</i> soldier, it was rich in calcium (3323.4 mg/100g DM), zinc (127 mg/100g DM), iron (2657 mg/100g DM) and molybdenum (0.48 mg/100g DM). Regarding the content of antinutritional factors, the highest values are observed with <i>M. subhyalinus</i> soldier in phytate (451.85±28.49 mg/100g DM) and in tannins (35.32±0.98 mg/100g DM). <i>M. subhyalinus</i> queen has the highest oxalate content (12.57±0.48 mg/100g DM). The calculated molar ratios vary from 0.02 to 0.9 with oxalate and from 0.09 to 35.57 with phytates. These insects could be recommended for children suffering from micronutrient deficiency malnutrition.