## 3 Results
### Mineral Contents
#### 3.3.1 Essential Macro-Minerals  
Overall, the most abundant microminerals (mg/kg DW) in SGP were found to be potassium (8053), phosphorous (2950), magnesium (1657), sodium (772), and calcium (477). Potassium is an important macro-mineral required for cellular and electric signalling in the body [43]; thus, a regular intake is important to maintain the electrolyte balance. In addition, low potassium levels in the body are potentially associated with obesity and diabetes [44]. Potassium contents were within the range (5230-10,805 mg/kg DW) reported in the literature for the same species (_R. ferrugineus_) [4,12], but higher than that reported for _R. bilineatus_ (4766 mg/kg DW) [8], and large Huhu grub (5936 mg/kg DW) [45].  
The content of phosphorus in SGP (2950 mg/kg DW) was lower than that in meal-worm (7480 mg/kg DW) [46]. Phosphorus is essential for growth and is involved in the mineralisation process that facilitates the formation of teeth and bones [47]. However, excess phosphorous can negatively affect bone mineralisation [48].  
Calcium is the most abundant element in the human body, essential for bone health and other metabolic processes. Ca deficiency is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis [49]. The calcium content in the present study (477 mg/kg DW) was within the range of the study reported by [PERSON], et al. [4] on the same insect material (380 to 530 mg/kg). Compared to other insect material, SGP contained a lower calcium content than that of Bombay locust (656 mg/kg DW), house cricket (887 mg/kg DW), and mulberry silkworm (922 mg/kg DW) [50]. In contrast, SGP was found to have a higher calcium content than the wood-dwelling Huhu grub (285 mg/kg) [45].  
It is well established that bone health can be harmed by both insufficient dietary calcium and excessive dietary phosphorus [51]. Maximum bone mass and strength are mostly influenced by food choices and genetic susceptibility [52], and the ideal Ca:P range necessary for preserving bone health is 1-1.5:1.0 [53,54]. A higher Ca:P ratio in the diet is thought to prevent loss of bone mineral density and is also an important factor in calcium balance [55]. The relatively high P content (2950 mg/kg DW) in SGP resulted in a Ca:P ratio of 0.16:1, which is lower than the recommended intake ratio of 1.3:1 [55], indicating that the treated SGP might not be an ideal source of well-balanced Ca and P. Therefore, SGP must be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet, with other ingredients that can supply Ca and P, thus improving the Ca:P ratio to levels needed for optimum bone health.  
Sodium is another essential mineral required for regulating body cell water levels and maintaining the osmotic pressure of body fluids [53]. Sodium content (772 mg/kg, DW) in SGP was lower than large Huhu larvae (871 mg/kg DW) [45] and higher than _R. bilineatus_ (386 mg/kg, DW) [8]. The current WHO recommendation is to reduce sodium intake to 2000 mg/day [56]. However, it has been reported that reducing salt intake to 1200 mg/day would positively affect blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [54].  
The magnesium content of SGP was found to be 1657 mg/kg DW, which is higher than that found in large Huhu larvae (1306 mg/kg DW) [45], scarab beetle (812 mg/kg DW), and mulberry silkworm (1577 mg/kg DW) [50]. However, _Allomyrina dichotoma_ larvae (2835.6 mg/kg DW), _Protaeta brevitarsis_ larvae (3276 mg/kg DW), and _T. molitor_ (3152 mg/kg DW) [33] contain higher magnesium concentrations than SGP. Magnesium is a co-factor of various enzymes involved in the mechanism of protein and nucleic acid synthesis. It also helps regulate phosphorus and calcium metabolism to maintain bone density [56].