From farm to fork : crickets as alternative source of protein, minerals, and vitamins

The article/study determines nutrient composition of two cricket species and compares them with other plant and animal sources. Results reveal that crude protein contents of S. icipie and G. bimaculatus were similar, and comparable to other animal sources. The paper analyzes components of amino acids and nutritive compounds and concludes that edible crickets provide an opportunity to improve nutritional and food security in resource-poor populations.BioInnovate Africa ProgrammeFederal Ministry for Economic CooperationAustralian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)Japan International Cooperation Agency (JIAC)Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and Developmen

Oil qualities and physicochemical properties of two African crickets (Scapsipedus icipe and Gryllus bimaculatus)

Globally, there is an increasingly important focus on the exploration of sustainable locally produced oils with better biocompatibility and enhanced performances in biomedical applications. Though crickets are rich source of lipids, there is limited research focus on the quality of these oils. This study evaluates oil qualities of two cricket species: the African cricket Scapsipedus icipe Hugel and Tanga and the two-spotted field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer. The physicochemical properties of the oils were determined using standard analytical methods, while fatty acid analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oxalates and phytates were determined using high performance liquid chromatography, while tannins and total polyphenols were determined using spectrophotometry. Our results demonstrated that both cricket oils had similar physicochemical properties. Peroxide, saponification and acid values ranged between 1.92-2.49mEqO2/Kg, 234-246mgKOH and 1.10-2.19mgKOH, respectively. Both crickets are rich sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic, Docosahexaenoic, and linolenic), and omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic). Palmitic (23.89-31.18%), and oleic (10.94-11.4%) were the most predominant saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Phytochemical levels ranged between 0 - 97mg/100g. The increasingly growing demand for the use of natural oil sources in the field of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, provide a unique opportunity for cricket oils to be considered as innovative market-driven and sustainable high-valued alternative products

Physicochemical properties of edible cricket oils: Implications for use in pharmaceutical and food industries

The prevailing global market demands locally produced, sustainable oils for biomedical applications. This study focused on evaluating the quality of cricket-derived oils and meals from Scapsipedus icipe Hugel, Tanga, and Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer common delicacy in Africa, following standard methods for physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and phytochemicals (oxalates, phytates, tannins, and polyphenols). The cricket oils physicochemical properties aligned with Codex Alimentarius standards for edible oils, including low solidification temperature (< 2 °C), a high refractive index (1.46), and a specific gravity of 0.88. Notably, peroxide values (1.9 to 2.5 mg mEq O2/kg), acid values (1.1 to 2.2 mg KOH/g), and saponification values (234–246 mg KOH/g) all are indicative of lightness and unsaturated fatty acids. Nutritionally, cricket powder was rich in protein (56.8–56.9% -) and fat (31.7–33.5% -of dry matter), with significant amounts of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Predominant saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were palmitic (23.9–31.2 mg/100 g-) and oleic acids (10.9–11.4 mg/100 g- of oil), respectively. Antioxidant values (48.0 to 65.0 mg/100 g), inferred from total polyphenols, suggests a stable oil with long shelf-life. These results highlight the promising and sustainable potential of cricket-derived oils for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries

Bacteraemia in Kenyan children with sickle-cell anaemia: a retrospective cohort and case–control study

BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 90% of children with sickle-cell anaemia die before the diagnosis can be made. The causes of death are poorly documented, but bacterial sepsis is probably important. We examined the risk of invasive bacterial diseases in children with sickle-cell anaemia. METHODS: This study was undertaken in a rural area on the coast of Kenya, with a case-control approach. We undertook blood cultures on all children younger than 14 years who were admitted from within a defined study area to Kilifi District Hospital between Aug 1, 1998, and March 31, 2008; those with bacteraemia were defined as cases. We used two sets of controls: children recruited by random sampling in the same area into several studies undertaken between Sept 1, 1998, and Nov 30, 2005; and those born consecutively within the area between May 1, 2006, and April 30, 2008. Cases and controls were tested for sickle-cell anaemia retrospectively. FINDINGS: We detected 2157 episodes of bacteraemia in 38 441 admissions (6%). 1749 of these children with bacteraemia (81%) were typed for sickle-cell anaemia, of whom 108 (6%) were positive as were 89 of 13 492 controls (1%). The organisms most commonly isolated from children with sickle-cell anaemia were Streptococcus pneumoniae (44/108 isolates; 41%), non-typhi Salmonella species (19/108; 18%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (13/108; 12%), Acinetobacter species (seven of 108; 7%), and Escherichia coli (seven of 108; 7%). The age-adjusted odds ratio for bacteraemia in children with sickle-cell anaemia was 26.3 (95% CI 14.5-47.6), with the strongest associations for S pneumoniae (33.0, 17.4-62.8), non-typhi Salmonella species (35.5, 16.4-76.8), and H influenzae type b (28.1, 12.0-65.9). INTERPRETATION: The organisms causing bacteraemia in African children with sickle-cell anaemia are the same as those in developed countries. Introduction of conjugate vaccines against S pneumoniae and H influenzae into the childhood immunisation schedules of African countries could substantially affect survival of children with sickle-cell anaemia. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, UK