Protein Content and Amino Acid Profiles of Selected Edible Insect Species from the Democratic Republic of Congo Relevant for Transboundary Trade across Africa

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Many edible insect species are consumed in Africa, but their nutrient composition—taking into account processing methods used to increase their shelf life—is under-documented. To fill knowledge gaps concerning relevant species for cross-border trade throughout Africa, this study analyzed the protein content and the amino acid (AA) profiles of six commercially available species in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The protein content of the orthopteran and lepidopteran representatives is relatively comparable with values reported for meat, fish, and poultry in the FAO’s food composition database. Some species such as Imbrasia ertli (Lepidoptera) contained high values in essential AAs, supporting the use of edible insects for dietary supplementation for vulnerable populations with cereal-based diets. Furthermore, the study also reported that these insect species could be grouped in three clusters based on their AA profiles, since the AA profiles varied according to insects’ taxa. Representatives of the family Notodontidae contained both the lowest values in several AAs and the essential amino acid index (which is a rapid calculation to determine protein nutritional quality) as compared to Saturniidae and Gryllidae. Overall, our findings supported edible insects as nutrient-rich food and we call for enhancing cross-border trade of species linked to potential economic, social, and ecological benefits. ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the protein content of ten edible insect species (using the Dumas method), then focused on the amino acid (AA) profiles of the six major commercially relevant species using HPLC (high-pressure (or performance) liquid chromatography). The protein contents varied significantly from 46.1% to 52.9% (dry matter); the Orthoptera representative yielding both the highest protein content and the highest values in three essential amino acids (EAAs). Regarding Lepidoptera species, the protein content of Saturniidae varied more than for Notodontidae. Imbrasia ertli gave the best example of a species that could be suggested for dietary supplementation of cereal-based diets, as the sample contained the highest values in five EAAs and for the EAA index. Furthermore, first-limiting AAs in the selected insects have also been pointed out (based on a species-specific AA score), supporting that the real benefit from eating insects is correlated to a varied diet. Additionally, preliminary insights into AA distribution patterns according to taxa provided three clusters based on protein quality and should be completed further to help tailor prescriptions of dietary diets. Since the AA composition of the selected insects was close to the FAO/WHO EAA requirement pattern for preschool children and met the requirements of 40% EAAs with high ratio EAAs/NEAAs, the current study endorses reports of edible insects as nutrient-rich and sustainable protein sources.