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Essential amino acids, lipid profile and fat-soluble vitamins of the edible silkworm Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

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Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the nutritional value of the fifth instar larva of Bombyx mori, locally referred to as ‘Niang ryndai’, which is a popular edible silkworm among the local inhabitants of East and West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district. Larvae were collected from the Iewduh market of Shillong in the months of October and November as these larvae are available during these months. The composition of lipids, amino acids and the fat-soluble vitamins A and E in the frozen and oven-dried samples of B. mori was estimated and compared with that of conventional food items. The detection of the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the larva indicates its potential to support a healthy cardiovascular function. Because of their use for the production of silk yarn, silkworms have economic potential for the people of the State and north-eastern region of India. Increased appreciation of this insect as an alternative and cheap source of nutrition would contribute to the socio-economic development of the indigenous people.

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  1. Department of Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India

    D. Paul & Sudipta Dey

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  1. D. Paul
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  2. Sudipta Dey
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Correspondence to Sudipta Dey.

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Paul, D., Dey, S. Essential amino acids, lipid profile and fat-soluble vitamins of the edible silkworm Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). Int J Trop Insect Sci 34, 239–247 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758414000526

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