This paper provides an overview of the nutritional aspects of insect c
onsumption (entomophagy) among indigenous populations. The nutritional
quality of food insects is discussed with special emphasis on the rol
e of food insects as a source of animal protein. Available data on the
amino acid composition of the most common food insects are summarized
, and the potential of insect protein to complement protein of various
staple foods is analyzed. Micronutrient composition of insects is bri
efly discussed.