Frog meat in special diets: potential for use as a functional food

Abstract

Frog meat is a highly digestible food, which justifies its use in special diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of frog meat for use in hospital diets and in diets recommended by physicians, in addition to promoting its consumption. Interviews were performed at hospitals and medical offices in Rio de Janeiro (RJ, Brazil). The survey identified that 72% of interviewed - physicians, nutritionists, and staff responsible for hospital kitchens - do not know the nutritional properties of frog meat, and 50% believe there are difficulties in its use and highlighted the little availability of the product in the market and its high price. Frog meat is considered a healthy food, but the importance of its use and forms of preparation must be divulged.