Bee Pollen

Scientific names: Apis mellifera

Common names: Bee pollen also is known as honeybee.

Efficacy-safety rating:

Ò...Little or no evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.

What is Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen consists of plant pollens collected by worker bees, combined with plant nectar and bee saliva. These are packed by the insects into small dust pellets, which are used as a food source for the male drones. Commercially, the pollen is gathered at the entrance of the hive by forcing the bees to enter through a portal partially obstructed with wire mesh, thus brushing the material off the hind legs into a collection vessel. Because of the increasing popularity of this health food, this means of pollen collection has been supplemented by the direct collection of the material from within the hives. Alternately, pollen is collected directly from the wind-pollinated plants by automated means. The pollen then is compressed into tablets, with or without added nutritional supplements. Claims have been made that machine-collected pollen is safer and less likely to cause allergic reactions because pollen collected by bees may contain fungal or bacterial contaminants. There is no adequate evidence to support this claim.

What is Bee Pollen used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

The use of bee pollen increased during the late 1970s, following testimonials by athletes that supplementation with this product increased stamina and improved athletic ability. Bee pollen has been used in certain cultures for thousands of years, but has become increasingly popular over recent years and recognized for its potential health benefits.

Nutritional

Bee pollen is a good nutritional source for drone bees. It contains approximately 30% protein, 55% carbohydrate, 1% to 2% fat, and 3% minerals and trace vitamins. Vitamin C concentrations of 3.6% to 5.9% also have been found in some pollen samples. Promotional literature lists almost 100 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and other compounds identified in bee pollen. The physiologic importance of many of these components is poorly understood. Bee pollen preparations often contain mixtures of pollens from diverse types of plants, and these pollens vary with the geographic origin of the material.

Performance enhancer

Although bee pollen is nutritionally rich, claims that it enhances athletic performance have not been reliably verified. It also has been promoted as an energy booster, to strengthen the immune system, and to enhance vitality.

Other uses

Some evidence indicates it may benefit a range of conditions, from aging to constipation and prostatic conditions, to aid healing of wounds, and for its proposed antioxidant action. Bee pollen has been used to prevent hay fever, but there is the risk of severe allergic reaction with this practice. Limited clinical information is available to support the use of bee pollen to treat any condition.

What is the dosage of Bee Pollen?

There is no clinical evidence to guide dosage of bee pollen.

Is Bee Pollen safe?

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/nursing

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Side Effects

No data.

Toxicities

Ingestion produces allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Attempts to desensitize by administering bee pollen may produce severe anaphylaxis and other acute or chronic responses.

References