Edible insects as a futuristic fiber resource: unlocking the potential of ‘entomofibers’ (chitin and chitosan) from North-Eastern India

Abstract Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in human health and wellbeing. Although plants are usually considered to be the major source of dietary fibers for human consumption, insects have also been reported to contain fiber as one of the macronutrients suitable for human diet. Insect consumption is an ancient dietary practice that has existed since the Paleolithic era. Insects are known to be protein-rich food, but insect-fiber has not received as much attention as insect-protein till date. Therefore, the present study made an attempt to comprehensively review the fiber content of edible insects across the world in general and northeastern India in particular, based on published information. Chitin, a key constituent of insect exoskeleton, is structurally analogous to cellulose, which is often termed as ‘plant fiber.’ In this review, chitin and its derivative chitosan, along with some other polysaccharides have been referred as entomofibers and primary focus has been given to chitin and chitosan as the major components of crude fiber found in edible insects. The fiber content of most preferred edible insects from North East India and the insects raised for commercialization were compared with fiber content of conventional food sources. Upon analyzing the data, it could be concluded that edible insects offer an exceptional, viable, and sustainable source of dietary fiber, surpassing many conventional, plant-based fiber sources in terms of nutritional value and environmental sustainability. Thus, selective edible insects can be promoted as a source of “ecofiber/entomofiber” apart from edible insects designated as “ecoprotein” sources to address various health issues including constipation, diabetes, dysbiosis, obesity etc.