Comparison of the nutritional value of mysore thorn borer (Anoplophora chinensis) and mealworm larva (Tenebrio molitor): Amino acid, fatty acid, and element profiles

There is increasing interest in using insects as an alternative nutrient source and Mysore thorn borer (MTB) ( Anoplophora chinensis ) might have nutritional and functional relevance for humans. The nutritional composition of MTB (amino acids, fatty acids, and elements profiles) was examined and compared with mealworm larva (MWL) ( Tenebrio molitor ). MTB was found to contain 19 amino acids, including all essential amino acids. A total of 16 fatty acids were detected including polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid). Moreover, MTB had a low n − 6/n − 3 ratio and contained some essential elements, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. These results demonstrated that MTB might be a potential source of nutritional compounds for human consumption.