Abstract
Larvae of Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are particularly suitable as novel food for the human consumption; nevertheless, there are some potential safety risks linked with insect consumption. In this study we investigated the presence of Cd, Pb, Ni, As, Hg in new feeding substrates coming from solid residues generated by olive fruits processing, called olive-pomace, and their influence on the metal content in larvae of T. molitor. Morover, bioaccumulation factor and the mercury-selenium balance were evaluated. Analyses were carried out via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cd, Pb, Ni, As and Se, and via Direct Mercury Analyzer for Hg. All metal concentrations found in feeding substrates were below the legal limit of undesirable substances in animal feed (2002/32/EC). Concentrations in larvae were in the range (mg kg−1 wet weight): Cd 0.008–0.016, Pb 0.063–0.079, Ni 0.03–0.63, As 0.021–0.023, Hg 0.12 × 10−3–0.49 × 10−3, and Se 0.057–0.085. Statistically significant correlation between metal content in feeding substrates and in larvae was evidenced only for Hg, which bioaccumulates. Se protects from mercury toxicity, with a Selenium Health Benefit Value (HVBSe) of > 0. Overall, our results indicate that the risk of exposure to metals from consumption of mealworm larvae is relatively low and in compliance with European Union regulations.
Highlights
IntroductionDue to the rapid increase in world population, the waste of food and resources, and unsustainable food production practices, the use of alternative food sources is currently strongly promoted [1]
Due to the rapid increase in world population, the waste of food and resources, and unsustainable food production practices, the use of alternative food sources is currently strongly promoted [1].In this perspective, insects may represent a valuable alternative to main animal food sources since insects grow and reproduce have a high feed conversion efficiency, and can transform low value of growing substrates into high value food resource [2,3,4]
Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD)
Summary
Due to the rapid increase in world population, the waste of food and resources, and unsustainable food production practices, the use of alternative food sources is currently strongly promoted [1]. In this perspective, insects may represent a valuable alternative to main animal food sources since insects grow and reproduce have a high feed conversion efficiency, and can transform low value of growing substrates into high value food resource [2,3,4]. Insects have a high nutrition potential due to an interesting amino acids composition, an adequate content of minerals, vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids [5,6,7]. Public Health 2019, 16, 4815; doi:10.3390/ijerph16234815 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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