Can insects relieve global malnutrition? A pediatric nutrition perspective

Malnutrition contributes to the deaths of 4 million zero-to-five year old children annually. Malnourished children lack adequate dietary energy and protein for normal physical and mental development. The high quality and quantity of fat and protein in insects can complement the cereal and breast milk diet of young infants. Selection, production, and processing of specific insect species and demonstrating their acceptability, efficacy, safety, and cost in the diets of children are important steps to prevent childhood malnutrition.