Isopods as sustainable resources for future feed and food systems

This review examines the potential of isopods as sustainable alternative protein sources in response to increasing pressure on global food systems driven by population growth, climate change, and the environmental impacts of conventional livestock production. Isopods, a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic crustaceans, are emerging as a promising yet underexplored resource for animal feed and human nutrition. They exhibit high crude protein contents (approximately 40–60% on a dry matter basis), balanced essential amino acid profiles, and substantial levels of minerals, particularly calcium and iron, along with several vitamins, although certain amino acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may be limiting. Their detritivorous feeding behavior enables efficient bioconversion of organic residues into nutrient-dense biomass, supporting circular bioeconomy and waste valorization strategies. The review further evaluates the use of isopods in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feeds, as well as their prospective role in alleviating protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies through food fortification. Key challenges, including antinutritional factors, allergenicity risks associated with crustacean protein cross-reactivity, regulatory barriers, consumer acceptance, and species-specific constraints, are critically discussed. Overall, the findings show that isopods represent a sustainable and multifunctional bioresource with considerable potential to enhance future food and feed security, provided that targeted research, comprehensive safety assessments, and supportive policy frameworks are further advanced.