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    Mineral analysis reveals extreme manganese concentrations in wild harvested and commercially available edible termites

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    Journal Article (1.546Mb)
    Date
    2020
    Author
    Verspoor, R.L.
    Soglo, M.
    Adeoti, R.
    Djouaka, R.
    Edwards, S.
    Fristedt, R.
    Langton, M.
    Moriana, R.
    Osborne, M.
    Parr, C.L.
    Powell, K.
    Hurst, G.D.D.
    Landberg, R.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review Status
    Peer Review
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    Termites are widely used as a food resource, particularly in Africa and Asia. Markets for insects as food are also expanding worldwide. To inform the development of insect-based foods, we analysed selected minerals (Fe-Mn-Zn-Cu-Mg) in wild-harvested and commercially available termites. Mineral values were compared to selected commercially available insects. Alate termites, of the genera Macrotermes and Odontotermes, showed remarkably high manganese (Mn) content (292–515 mg/100 gdw), roughly 50–100 times the concentrations detected in other insects. Other mineral elements occur at moderate concentrations in all insects examined. On further examination, the Mn is located primarily in the abdomens of the Macrotermes subhyalinus; with scanning electron microscopy revealing small spherical structures highly enriched for Mn. We identify the fungus comb, of Macrotermes subhyanus, as a potential biological source of the high Mn concentrations. Consuming even small quantities of termite alates could exceed current upper recommended intakes for Mn in both adults and children. Given the widespread use of termites as food, a better understanding the sources, distribution and bio-availability of these high Mn concentrations in termite alates is needed.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63157-7
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/7273
    IITA Authors ORCID
    Rousseau Djouakahttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-4772-0753
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63157-7
    Research Themes
    Nutrition and Human Health
    IITA Subjects
    Food Security; Food Systems; Nutrition
    Agrovoc Terms
    Termites; Insects as Food; Macrotermes; Food Security; Benin
    Regions
    Africa; West Africa
    Countries
    Benin (Dahomey)
    Hubs
    Headquarters and Western Africa Hub
    Journals
    Scientific Reports
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4835
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