Insects as a complete nutritional source

Summary

For most animals insects are used as part of a diet, but strict insectivores only consume insects and other invertebrates. For them, all nutrients need to be available in suitable proportions to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Common deficiencies pertain to the vitamins A and D, and the mineral calcium. Moreover, concentrations of taurine, thiamine, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids are seemingly lower in most cultured insects than in wild insects.