Mealworm larvae () and crickets () show high total protein digestibility and can provide good-to-excellent protein quality as determined by DIAAS.

Edible insects, such as mealworms (; TM) and crickets (; AD), are a sustainable, protein-dense novel food with a favorable amino acid profile, which might be an alternative to animal proteins. To assess the protein quality of TM and AD, we assessed the digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS), considering individual amino acids and their ileal amino acid digestibility, using an model based on the INFOGEST digestion protocol. In addition, we evaluated if various processing and food preparation steps influenced the digestibility of individual amino acids and the DIAAS values of TM and AD and compared them to chicken breast as a reference of excellent protein quality.

The effect of dechitinization on iron absorption from mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) flour added to maize meals: stable-isotope studies in young females with low iron stores.

Background: Edible insects have a low ecological footprint and could serve as an alternative dietary iron source. However, chitin, a major component of insects, avidly binds iron and might inhibit iron absorption.

Objectives: We aimed to measure fractional iron absorption (FIA) from Tenebrio molitor-based test meals with and without dechitinization, and to assess the effect of native and low chitin T.