Abstract

RAMOS-ELORDUY, Julieta  and  PINO M., José M.. Contenido de vitaminas de algunos insectos comestibles de México. Rev. Soc. Quím. Méx [online]. 2001, vol.45, n.2, pp.66-76. ISSN 0583-7693.

The concentrations of Vitamins A, C, D, and B (thiamine, riboflavine and niacin) in 35 species of edible insects were determined. It is noted the role of these substances for the development and growth of the human organism, as well as for health. The concentrations obtained for the edible insects studied were compared with those of conventional edible products rich in these micronutriments, noting that in many cases certain species surpass the vitaminic content of various common edible products, therefore, some edible insects species can be considered as a good vitaminic source. This is the case of Periplaneta americana (adults) in vitamin A, Latebraria amphypyrioides (larvae) in vitamin C, Acheta domestica (nymphae) in vitamin D, and Copestylum anna and C. haggi (larvae) in thiamine, riboflavine, and niacin. It is observed that the insects species studied posseess more content in vitamins of the B group, It is pointed out the importance of the presence of these vitamins for the diet of peasants of the rural area of Mexico, who regularly consume insects, and even store and commercialize them.

Keywords : Edible insects; vitamins A, C, D, B.