ARTICLE 40 Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2024 protein sources, like fish or poultry, mealworms contain 3 to 5 times less ash. Our dry protein concentrate made of ground up mealworms, Protein70 only contains 3.6% ash for a protein concentration of 72.6%. This makes mealworm proteins similar to vegetal protein sources and far more interesting that animal proteins. Indeed, mealworms are a significant source of essential minerals. Sprÿng products don’t contain a lot of ash, but the ash they do contain has an interesting mineral profile that contributes to good health and nutrition. For instance, a 20% inclusion of Protein70, supplies more than a third of the required mineral for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sodium (Na). More importantly Protein70 will provide 90% of magnesium (Mg) intake, 72.2% copper (Cu) intake, 50.8% iron (Fe) intake, 57.6% manganese (Mn) intake and 64.2% zinc (Zn) intake recommended for an adult dog. Similarly, it will provide 157.5% of Mg intake, 104% Cu intake, 66.8% Mn intake and 61.6% Zn intake recommended for an adult cat. For information, magnesium is involved in hundreds of reactions in the body and supports electrolyte balance inside cells, bone structure integrity and heart cell function. Iron is important in energy metabolism, supporting notably the synthesis of red blood cells and muscle cells. Zinc is linked to skin integrity. Manganese is essential to energy metabolism and healthy bones. And finally, copper helps with coat quality. As for minerals in which there is a maximum level of inclusion, not a single macromineral or trace-element is added in excess when including 10 to 30% of our Protein70 in kibble recipes. Added to pet food recipes, our mealworm-based products help pet food product meet the nutritional recommendations set by the AAFCO and the FEDIAF, with a balanced, rich, high-quality ingredient. Ash is an important part of pet food formulation. With our Sprÿng products, the pressure of including a premium protein source, without adding too much ash to the final product is vastly alleviated. Mealworms could be the one-size-fit-all solution to premium, high-protein pet food diets, full of interesting minerals. References: 1Thiex N, Novotny L, Crawford A. Determination of ash in animal feed: AOAC official method 942.05 revisited. J AOAC Int. 2012 Sep-Oct;95(5):1392-7. doi: 10.5740/jaoacint.12-129. PMID: 23175971. 2What is Crude Ash and why is it in my dogs dinner? – Bone Idol 3All About Ash – Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings School (tufts.edu) 4Brown S., Taylor B., “See Spot Live Longer”, 2007 Creekobear Press, Eugene, OR USA, p 55 About Dr Lorena Sanchez Lorena Sanchez is Scientific Project Manager at Ynsect with more than 8 years of experience in agroindustry. Her main topics of interest are on the development of novel ingredients that are nutritious, healthy and sustainable. She has worked on process and product development of insect based ingredients and is currently responsible for building strategic scientific evidence, to support nutritional and health claims for human and animal applications. Sanchez has a bachelor degree in Biology and a Master and PhD in Biotechnology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==