Insects as sources of food and bioproducts: a review from Colombia

Abstract Background Insects are known to be important sources of food and bioproducts, and companies around the world are currently offering goods and services based on their production and use. Colombia is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, with a great variety of insects that are not exploited for these uses at this time. Most studies relating to insects in Colombia are focused on agricultural pests or disease transmitters, and in most cases the advantages and potential applications of insects in the areas of agro-industry, medicine, biotechnology, and food are poorly known. To recognize the native species previously considered as a source of bioproducts, it is necessary to better evaluate their potential uses, as well as the possibilities of innovating with products derived from them. It is also important to consider advantages and disadvantages of using insects for specific purposes, minimum quality requirements and national and international regulations for production and marketing. Main body The growing world population has led to an increase in the demand for food and animal products, increasing the need for animal production. This has resulted in high pressure on the environment, water resources and biodiversity, which also contribute to climate change. New strategies are required, and emerging solutions include the use of alternative sources for bioproducts or meat, changing diets, and migrating to sustainable production systems. In the present study, available information pertaining to 107 species of insects reported in Colombia that have been indicated to be sources to produce bioproducts, or that are currently being used for that purpose is revised and analyzed. The insects documented are from 67 genera and mainly include the orders Hymenoptera (59%), Coleoptera (10%), and Blattaria (11%). Seventy-one percent (71%) of the insect species included are important as foods or food supplements, with 9% related to established or commercial products currently in development; and 36% currently recognized for their importance in obtaining valuable non-edible bioproducts within the pharmaceutical industry, medicine, biotechnology, and agro-inputs sectors. A list of species is presented and uses and applications are discussed. Conclusions Despite Colombia's enormous potential for sustainable development of insect-derived products, there is a lack of studies in this area. Most of the insects reported in this work are related to local and traditional knowledge and folk medicine of some populations in the country. In addition to apiculture, there are not industrialized insect farms in Colombia; however, there have been some initiatives to produce crickets of the species Acheta domestica and mealworms Tenebrio mollitor for human and animal consumption. Recently the traditional consumption of ants and certain termite species in some areas of the country has been refreshed by some chefs experimenting with insects in gourmet restaurants. There are few studies on the nutritional value or pharmaceutical uses of the local species and there is no clear regulation for breeding or use. This highlights the need for in-depth study and discussion of the advantages and disadvantages for potential use in the country.