Unravelling the nutritional and health benefits of marketable winged termites (Macrotermes spp.) as sustainable food sources in Africa

Abstract

Termites are widely distributed globally and serve as a valuable food source in many countries. However, information on the myriad nutritional benefits of processed termite products in African markets remain largely unexploited. This study evaluated the phytochemicals, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and proximate composition of the edible winged termites (Macrotermes spp.) from three major Counties of Kenya. A total of 9 flavonoids, 5 alkaloids, and 1 cytokinin were identified. The oil content varied from 33 to 46%, exhibiting significant levels of beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, such as methyl (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienoate and methyl (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosapentaenoate, ranging from 82.7–95.1 to 6.3–8.1 μg/g, respectively, across the different regions. Four essential and cereal-limiting amino acids lysine (1.0–1.3 mg/g), methionine (0.08–0.1 mg/g), leucine (0.6–0.9 mg/g) and threonine (0.1–0.2 mg/g), were predominant. Moreover, termites had a rich profile of essential minerals, including iron (70.7–111.8 mg/100 g), zinc (4.4–16.2 mg/100 g) and calcium (33.1–53.0 mg/100 g), as well as vitamins A (2.4–6.4 mg/kg), C (0.6–1.9 mg/kg) and B12 (10.7–17.1 mg/kg). The crude protein (32.2–44.8%) and fat (41.2–49.1%) contents of termites from the various Counties was notably high. These findings demonstrated the promising nutrients potential of winged termites and advocate for their sustainable utilization in contemporary efficacious functional food applications to combat malnutrition.