Syrsprotein och tarmflora

[King Grub]

Edible insects are often considered a nutritious, protein-rich, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional livestock with growing popularity among North American consumers. While the nutrient composition of several insects is characterized, all potential health impacts have not been evaluated. In addition to high protein levels, crickets contain chitin and other fibers that may influence gut health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of consuming 25 grams/day whole cricket powder on gut microbiota composition, while assessing safety and tolerability. Twenty healthy adults participated in this six-week, double-blind, crossover dietary intervention. Participants were randomized into two study arms and consumed either cricket-containing or control breakfast foods for 14 days, followed by a washout period and assignment to the opposite treatment. Blood and stool samples were collected at baseline and after each treatment period to assess liver function and microbiota changes. Results demonstrate cricket consumption is tolerable and non-toxic at the studied dose. Cricket powder supported growth of the probiotic bacterium, Bifidobacterium animalis, which increased 5.7-fold. Cricket consumption was also associated with reduced plasma TNF-α. These data suggest that eating crickets may improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation; however, more research is needed to understand these effects and underlying mechanisms.

Impact of Edible Cricket Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Healthy Adults, a Double-blind, Randomized Crossover Trial. Scientific Reportsvolume 8, Article number: 10762 (2018).

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-29032-2

[Termy]

Fler sådana studier så kanske EU till sist godkänner säljandet av insekter som föda?

[Sverker]

Det är dem som odlar och processar insekterna som ska visa att de inte är hälsovådliga, varken på kort eller lång sikt. Det lär ta tid innan Cricket&Co har tillräckligt med underlag för godkännande inom EU.

[Termy]

Mjölmaskproteinet får vänta ett tag till med andra ord.

[xan]

Vad är det i insekter som kan vara potentiellt hälsofarligt? Skulle aldrig äta skiten men det verkar onekligen ha många fördelar som livsmedel.

[Sverker]

Det vet vi inte.

Men jag kan mycket väl tänka mig att insekter kan innehålla trypsininhibitorer eller andra protein som blockerar vår matspjälkning. Är de allergena för vissa personer ?

Hur ska man odla insekterna i stor skala och vilket foder ska man ge dem ? Är fodret av sämre kvalitet, t e x mögel, kommer vi att äta mögelgifterna i ett senare steg.