Potential of edible insects as alternative protein source for the older adults

Abstract

With global population growth and aging, the demand for high-quality protein continues to increase. It is therefore important to find new and sustainable sources of protein. Compared to traditional animal-derived proteins, insect-derived proteins have higher sustainability and a smaller ecological footprint. In addition, considering that older adults have an anabolic resistance and that protein intake strongly stimulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis, insect-derived proteins may play a potential role in promoting healthy aging. Based on this, this review systematically analyzes the essential amino acid profile, nutritional value, protein digestibility and absorption, health benefits and potential risks, as well as the acceptability and environmental impact of edible insects. Overall, adding insect-derived protein to the diet helps maintain skeletal muscle mass and function in aging, improves gut health, and lowers the risk of age-related diseases. In future research, it is still necessary to improve processing and preparation techniques and establish explicit legal provisions to ensure the safety and acceptability of insect-derived proteins.

Keywords: Amino acids profile; Health benefits; Healthy aging; Insect-derived proteins; Potential risks.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

The average BCAAs content of common edible insects. (A) leucine; (B) isoleucine; (C) valine; and (D) the sum total of BCAAs. The values for insects are provided as mean ± standard deviation, and detailed data can be found in Table S2 as the supplemental digital content. The BCAAs content of six conventional high-protein foods (milk, soybean, beef, egg, chicken and fish) are shown for comparison and were adapted from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U. S. D. A. Agriculture). The dotted line represents relative to current BCAAs requirements of adolescents (>18 years old) and were adapted from the report of a joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU) expert consultation (Consultation, 2007).

Fig. 2

Number of recorded edible insects per order in the world (reproduced and adapted from Jongema, 2017) (Jongema, 2017).

Fig. 3

The average protein content of common edible insects. The values for insects are provided as mean ± standard deviation, and detailed data can be found in Table S1 as the supplemental digital content. The protein content of six conventional high-protein foods (milk, soybean, beef, egg, chicken and fish) are shown for comparison and were adapted from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U. S. D. A. Agriculture).

Fig. 4

The average fat content of common edible insects. The values for insects are provided as mean ± standard deviation, and detailed data can be found in Table S1 as the supplemental digital content. The fat content of six conventional high-protein foods (milk, soybean, beef, egg, chicken and fish) are shown for comparison and were adapted from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U. S. D. A. Agriculture).

Fig. 5

The average carbohydrate content of common edible insects. The values for insects are provided as mean ± standard deviation, and detailed data can be found in Table S1 as the supplemental digital content. The carbohydrate content of six conventional high-protein foods (milk, soybean, beef, egg, chicken and fish) are shown for comparison and were adapted from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U. S. D. A. Agriculture).

Fig. 6

The content of some important amino acids in common edible insects (mg/g of protein). (A) tryptophan; (B) threonine; (C) lysine; (D) methionine; (E) cystine; (F) methionine and cystine; (G) phenylalanine and tyrosine; (H) histidine; and (I) the sum total of essential amino acids. he values for insects are provided as mean ± standard deviation, and detailed data can be found in Table S2 as the supplemental digital content. The BCAAs content of six conventional high-protein foods (milk, soybean, beef, egg, chicken and fish) are shown for comparison and were adapted from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U. S. D. A. Agriculture). The dotted line represents relative to current BCAAs requirements of adolescents (>18 years old) and were adapted from the report of a joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU) expert consultation (Consultation, 2007).