Nutrient composition of four species of winged termites consumed in western Kenya

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

The objective of this study was to gain knowledge on the nutrient composition of Macrotermes subhylanus, Pseudacanthotermes militaris, Macrotermes bellicosus and P. spiniger termite species, which are consumed in western Kenya. Proximate, iron, zinc, calcium and fatty acid composition were analyzed in order to ascertain their potential in food-based strategies to improve nutritional health. The fat content was 44.82-47.31. g/100. g, protein 33.51-39.74. g/100. g, available carbohydrate 0.72-8.73. g/100. g, iron 53.33-115.97. mg/100. g and zinc 7.10-12.86. mg/100. g. The level of unsaturated fatty acids was 50.54-67.83%, while n-6:n-3 ratio ranged between 5.80:1.00 and 57.70:1.00, thus signifying potential nutritional and public health significance. The termites may be exploited in provision of high-quality diets especially in the developing countries, which have been plagued by iron and zinc deficiencies as well as poor supply of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid sources.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis
Volume30
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)120-124
Number of pages5
ISSN0889-1575
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

ID: 65644327