Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Igwe CU

Publications

• Research Article
  Chemical Analysis of an Edible African Termite, Macrotermes nigeriensis; a Potential Antidote to Food Security Problem
  Author(s): Igwe CU, Ujowundu CO, Nwaogu LA and Okwu GNIgwe CU, Ujowundu CO, Nwaogu LA and Okwu GN
  
  Macrotermes nigeriensis is a gregarious termite that is eaten as a delicacy in different parts of Nigeria and several other African countries. The concentrations of proximate, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids of the termite were determined using standard methods. The following major nutrients were identified: proteins (20.94 ± 0.08%), carbohydrates (20.74 ± 0.00%) and lipids (34.23 ± 0.83%); the minerals included potassium (3360.00 mg/kg), sodium (1120.00 mg/kg), iron (9.56 mg/kg) and zinc (0.97 mg/kg); the vitamins were ascorbic acid (17.76 ± 1.60 mg/100g), niacin (2.74 ± 0.02 mg/100g) and riboflavin (1.56 ± 0.02 mg/100g); and the fatty acids were oleic acid (52.45 ± 0.58%), palmitic acid (31.39 ± 0.92%) and linoleic acid (7.57 ± 0.16%). The high fat content of the termite was made .. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2161-1009.1000105

  Abstract PDF