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Insect-derived bioactives for sustainable functional food development: evidence, limitations and translational insights from established natural sources

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: With the population growing at a rapid rate and resource availability a constant challenge, future sustainable food production is of critical importance. In this review, we highlight the importance of natural resources in functional-food development and as sources of health-related bioactive compounds. We examine how insect-derived functional foods and bioactives may contribute to research on inflammatory bowel disease and gut health, viral infection, cancer, cardiovascular health and obesity, using milk-derived, microbial, fungal, plant and marine bioactives as established translational reference points. Across these areas, insect-derived materials have demonstrated effects on inflammatory signalling, intestinal barrier function, viral replication, apoptosis, cardiovascular-related pathways, lipid metabolism and the gut microbiota. However, most evidence is derived from in vitro and animal studies, with very limited human evidence. Mechanistic confidence is greater for defined compounds and characterised fractions than for whole-insect powders or crude extracts, for which the active component and relevant dose are often uncertain. Comparison with established natural sources highlights recurring limitations in compound characterisation, evidence strength, reproducibility, safety, bioavailability and clinical translation. Insects therefore represent a promising and sustainable source of functional-food ingredients and candidate bioactive compounds; however, the current evidence does not support their use as established treatments for human disease without further investigation.
Source: Future Foods
DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2026.101226
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,990
OpenAlex ID: W7222884750
FWCI:
Cites: 97
Cited by:
Related to: 10