Chitin and Carbohydrate Composition of Eight Insect Species Used as Feed and Food

Authors

  • Matúš Džima Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0455-0431
  • Miroslav Juráček Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1260-2319
  • Daniel Bíro Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Milan Šimko Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Branislav Gálik Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Michal Rolinec Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Ondrej Hanušovský Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Mária Kapusniaková Stredná odborná škola veterinárna, Nitra
  • Kristína Kolbaská Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Ester Vargová Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Keywords:

structural carbohydrates, soluble sugars, beetle larvae, fly larvae, crickets, silkworm pupae

Abstract

Edible insects represent a sustainable source of protein and bioactive compounds, however their carbohydrate composition, particularly structural polysaccharides like chitin, substantially affects nutritional quality. This study provides a comparative analysis of chitin and carbohydrate composition of eight insect species across larval (Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, Hermetia illucens, Musca domestica), pupal (Bombyx mori), and adult (Gryllodes sigillatus, Acheta domesticus, Gryllus assimilis) stages. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and chitin content varied significantly with species and developmental stage, reflecting differences in cuticular structure and physiological adaptations. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content varied considerably across species, with the lowest value in Bombyx mori pupae (92.02 ± 2.44 g.kg⁻¹ DM) and the highest in Tenebrio molitor larvae (290.40 ± 6.14 g.kg⁻¹ DM). Acid detergent fiber (ADF) showed a minimum of 72.90±8.68 g.kg⁻¹ DM (B. mori pupae) and a maximum of 133.16±0.97 g.kg⁻¹ DM (Gryllus assimilis adults). Chitin content (ADF-ADL) was lowest in B. mori pupae (64.32±9.65 g.kg⁻¹ DM) and highest in G. assimilis adults (123.45±1.28 g.kg⁻¹ DM); alternative estimation via ADF-CPADF ranged from 37.95±4.52 to 78.78±2.00 g.kg⁻¹ DM, highlighting methodological sensitivity. Soluble sugars were highest in larvae, whereas polyols, accumulated predominantly in pupae (glycerol in B. mori 11.43±0.43 g.kg⁻¹ DM) and adults (glycerol in A. domesticus 7.20±0.04 g.kg⁻¹ DM). These results emphasize the importance of standardized chitin quantification and targeted processing strategies for optimizing the nutritional value of insect-derived feed and food. This integrative approach advances the understanding of insect carbohydrate composition and supports efforts to valorize edible insects in sustainable nutrition systems.

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Animal Science

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Copyright (c) 2025 Matúš Džima, Miroslav Juráček, Daniel Bíro, Milan Šimko, Branislav Gálik, Michal Rolinec, Ondrej Hanušovský, Mária Kapusniaková, Kristína Kolbaská, Ester Vargová

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