PhD defence: Yellow mealworm-enriched school meals

Effects on growth, body composition and micronutrient status of children in Uganda

Tele Chepkoros Boit

Balanced diets are essential for children’s growth, cognitive and physical development. However, many children living in low-resource settings have limited access to foods rich in high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals.

This PhD thesis explores the potential of edible insects, specifically yellow mealworms, as a nutrient-dense food source to improve the growth, body composition and micronutrient status of school children aged 6–9 years in Uganda.

Taken together, the studies found that yellow mealworm consumption promotes children’s linear growth and favorable changes in body composition. However, yellow mealworms may not provide sufficient iron and vitamin A for children with adequate micronutrient levels.

These findings highlight the potential of yellow mealworms as a sustainable protein source for school-aged children.

2026.

Assessment Committee

Professor Christian Mølgaard (chair), Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Professor Tor Arne Strand, University of Bergen.

Professor Tsinuel Girma Nigatu, Jimma University.

Supervisor

Associate Professor Nanna Roos, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Co-supervisor

Associate Professor Benedikte Grenov, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Place

Room: A1.05.01, Dyrelægevej 100, Frederiksberg.

Copy of thesis

Email address to gain access to the thesis: teleboit.work@gmail.com

You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.

Recipients of copies of the thesis are not allowed to share or distribute it due to copyright compliance.