Measuring Dietary Iron Absorption From Edible Tenebrio molitor and Assessing the Effect of Chitin on Iron Bioavailability: A Stable Iron Isotope Study in Young Women

ABSTRACT: Abstract

Objectives

Iron deficiency is estimated to affect up to 1.5–2 billion people worldwide. Edible insects can be a rich source of iron and may have a smaller environmental food print than other animal source foods. Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae are recognized as an edible insect, but iron bioavailability in humans has not been investigated. Chitin, a major component of insect biomass, is a known iron binder. Our primary objective was to measure fractional iron absorption (FIA) from T.molitor with and without chitin in young women. Secondly, we aimed to assess the effect of the presence of mealworm biomass on iron absorption from iron present in low-phytate maize porridge.

Methods

Non-anemic females (18–45 years, body weight < 65 kg) were recruited and FIA was m

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8180635 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature