Assessment of Fatty Acid Profile, Protein, and Micronutrient Bioavailability of Winged Termites (Marcrotermes bellicosus) Using Albino Rats

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The need for alternative protein and essential micronutrients sources for adequate complementary foods is urgent. Dried Marcrotermes bellicosus was reported to be a good source of dietary protein, fat, and micronutrients. This study investigated the fatty acid profile, protein, and essential micronutrient bioavailability in M. bellicosus using albino rats. Methods: M. bellicosus was collected around the Alegongo area, Akobo, Ibadan, Nigeria during their swarming flights, roasted at 105 °C for fifteen min, dewinged, and winnowed. The roasted sample was analysed for proximate, minerals, and antinutrients using standard methods of the AOAC International. Fatty acid profile was determined using a gas-liquid chromatographic method, whilst protein and essential minerals bioavailability were determined using weanling albino rats. Results: Roasted M. bellicosus contained 31.8 g protein, 16.4 g fat, 1.3 g ash, 46.5 g carbohydrates, 361.13 mg potassium, 227.50 mg calcium, 361.30 mg phosphorus, 15.03 mg zinc, 52.30% linolenic acid, 24.91% linoleic acid, 5.97% oleic acid and yielded 460.8 kcal gross energy/100g sample. The mean weight gain in the experimental diet group (+23.17±6.71) was significantly higher than that of the control diet group (+16.83±6.71) and the basal diet group (-19.50±9.03). The basal diet group had the least value for all serum micronutrient levels whilst the experimental diet group had the highest. Conclusion: M. bellicosus protein supported rat growth at a 15% inclusion level. The calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A in M. bellicosus were bioavailable in rats. M. Bellicosus could be a potential novel food for humans.