Abstract
This study evaluated the nutritional and functional potential of powder obtained from mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae fed turmeric (Curcuma longa) for human consumption. Proximate composition, phenolic fractions (free/bound/total), antioxidant capacity, and bioavailability after in-vitro digestion were examined in control (Tm-C) and turmeric-fed group (Tm-T) samples. Phenolics were reported as mg GAE/100 g using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activities were reported as μmol Trolox/g using ABTS•+, CUPRAC, and DPPH• tests; bioavailability was calculated using a two-phase digestion model including pepsin and pancreatin/bile. In the Tm-T group, moisture was 61.77%, protein 24.04%, and fat 6.84%, while in the Tm-C group, these percentages were 64.38, 21.61, and 9.04%, respectively. The dominant fraction of phenolic compounds was bound phenolics, ranging from 623.97-830.73 mg GAE/100 g, while free phenolics ranged from 106.25-157.35 mg GAE/100 g. After in vitro digestion, bioavailable phenolics increased to 801.47 mg GAE/100 g in Tm-T, exceeding the 637.76 mg GAE/100 g value in Tm-C. Antioxidant bioavailability was determined as 49.41 μmol Trolox/g in Tm-T and 41.76 μmol Trolox/g in Tm-C using the ABTS method. In the amino acid profile, the mean of the total amount of essential amino acids was 5.99 g/100 g, with lysine (1.25 g/100 g) and leucine (1.38 g/100 g) being prominent. Amino acids were determined by LC-MS/MS and the essential profile was found to be balanced. Consequently, turmeric-supplemented feeding improves the protein quality of larval powder and the phenolic/antioxidant potential released during digestion, supporting the use of edible insects as carriers of functional components in terms of food innovation.