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Should we provide edible insects in children's diets?
Tele Chepkoros Boit1, Alida Melse-Boonstra2, Kim F Michaelsen1
1Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|March 8, 2024
Summary
Edible insects offer essential nutrients, potentially bridging dietary gaps for children. Further research is needed to confirm their health benefits and encourage acceptance in children's diets.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Food Science
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Diets lacking animal-source foods or exclusively plant-based often fail to meet children's nutritional needs.
- Edible insects present a viable alternative for enhancing nutrient intake in children.
- Limited research exists on the nutritional and health impacts of insect consumption in pediatric populations.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes recent scientific literature (April 2022–November 2023) on edible insects for children.
- Focuses on nutritional equivalence, potential health benefits, and sustainable food systems.
- Examines factors influencing insect acceptance in pediatric diets.
Key Points:
- Insects are rich in protein, fats, and micronutrients, comparable to traditional animal-source foods.
- Chitin in insects may offer benefits for gut health.
- Children's initial responses to insects range from curiosity to disgust, highlighting acceptance challenges.
Conclusions:
- Insect farming can improve availability and address nutritional deficiencies.
- Consistent exposure and dietary integration are crucial for regular insect consumption.
- Well-designed human studies are essential to validate the nutritional and health potential of edible insects for children.
