A systematic review of zinc, iron and vitamin B12 content of edible insects and comparison with dietary reference values

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A systematic review of zinc, iron and vitamin B12 content of edible insects and comparison with dietary reference values

Bbosa et al., 2025 | Nutr Res Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Bbosa Tom, Nakimbugwe Dorothy, ... Van Der Borght Mik. A systematic review of zinc, iron and vitamin B12 content of edible insects and comparison with dietary reference values. Nutr Res Rev. 2025-Dec;38(2):682-698. doi:10.1017/S0954422425000071

Abstract

Entomophagy (eating edible insects) could potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B12. This article aims to summarise available evidence about the iron, zinc and vitamin B12 content of raw and processed edible insects and compare these with the nutritional needs of different human life stages. A systematic literature search using specific keywords (edible insects, iron content, zinc content, vitamin B12 content and nutritional composition) in Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. Forty-six studies were reviewed. To ensure standardised comparisons, articles with nutrient-enriched edible insects were excluded. The quality of records was assessed using standardised protocols. Results indicate that edible insects are generally either 'sources of' or 'rich in' iron, zinc and vitamin B12 required for optimal nutrition and health of different human life stages. Moreover, iron, zinc and vitamin B12 contents of edible insect species were generally either comparable to or higher than that of (lean) beef, (lean) pork, poultry and kidney beans. Most insect species were oven processed with little/no species-specific data for other processing methods. Variations in micronutrient content existed between processing methods and among oven-processed edible insects. Data inaccuracies, poor data quality control and lack of insect-specific official analytical methods contributed to fairly high variations and made comparisons difficult. Based on available data, edible insects can potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 despite the observed variations, data gaps and lack of edible insect matrix-specific official methods, in addition to limited human bioavailability and efficacy studies.

Key Findings

Based on available data, edible insects can potentially address human deficiencies of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 despite the observed variations, data gaps and lack of edible insect matrix-specific official methods, in addition to limited human bioavailability and efficacy studies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Zinc
  • Humans
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Animals
  • Edible Insects
  • Nutritive Value
  • Iron
  • Iron, Dietary
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances
  • Diet

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Comparative Study
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09