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| Introduction |
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| Pollen is a product collected from many species of plants by honeybee (Apis millifera) colonies. Collected bee pollen is among the oldest known dietary supplements. The early Egyptians and ancient Chinese used pollen as a rejuvenating medicinal agent. It has been called a "fountain of youth" and the "ambrosia of the gods." Bee pollen is rich in vitamins, especially the B vitamins, and contains small amounts of minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. The location and source of the pollen can cause variability in the vitamin and mineral content of bee pollen.
Bee pollen is composed of approximately 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% minerals and vitamins, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances.(1) It contains antioxidants including flavonoids, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, lycopene, and selenium. Bee pollen does not have a wealth of scientific studies to support its use as a dietary supplement, yet anecdotal and traditional uses have promoted its use even today. Again, bee pollen does not occur in the body, but is collected from honeybees (Apis millifera) for use as a dietary supplement. |
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| Reported Uses |
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Bee pollen has a wide range of health claims including enhancement of the immune system, allergy relief, increasing strength and sexual function, enhancing vitality and stamina, slowing the aging process, and prolonging life. Bee pollen consists of many nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Some vitamins and minerals found in bee pollen include:
- Vitamins: Carotenoids, all B vitamins, folic acid, choline, inositol, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and rutin.
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, silicon, molybdenum, boron, and titanium.
One study suggested that bee pollen could improve maternal nutrition without affecting normal fetal development, noting pollen to be a practical and effective nutrient during pregnancy.(2) In general, compared to many standard human foods, pollen is rich in protein, low in fat, and possesses a wealth of minerals and vitamins.
Bee pollen contains antioxidants including flavonoids and polyphenols. Animal studies have reported a protective effect to the liver of the laboratory animals studied.(3) Phytic acid is a natural plant antioxidant found in cereals, nuts, legumes, seeds, pollen, and spores. High quantities of phytic acid are also found in bee pollen. Dietary phytic acid may lower the incidence of colon cancer and protect against other inflammatory bowel diseases. Its addition to foods inhibits lipid peroxidation, discoloration, and other processes leading to spoilage.(4)
Traditionally, bee pollen has been reported to protect the body from various diseases and to improve immunity.(5) Although many plant pollens can cause or exacerbate allergies and hay fever, bee pollen may actually help in the reduction of symptoms. Local bee pollen therapy is recommended to start before the allergy season begins and it may take a few weeks for the pollen to work. General plant pollen or plant pollen products not specifically from bees have been shown to have several beneficial applications for human use.
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| Capsules/tablets: 250mg – 2gm daily, in divided dosages.
Granules (preventative): 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoonful of granules once a day to start, gradually increasing over a month to one to two teaspoonfuls, 1-3 times daily.
Granules (therapeutic, short-term): 3/8-3/4 teaspoonfuls to start, increasing to three to six teaspoonfuls, 1-3 times daily. |
Capsules/tablets: 500mg daily, in divided dosages.
Granules (preventative): 1/4 teaspoonful of granules once a day to start, gradually increasing over a month to two teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily.
Granules (therapeutic, short-term): 3/4 teaspoonful to start, increasing to three teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. |
Capsules, tablets, and granules. Bee pollen products are also available in liquid extracts and tinctures, creams, and salves. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.(6) |
Allergy
Some individuals experience an allergic reaction when taking this dietary supplement due to the nature of pollen being collected from many different plants.(7) Use with caution in these individuals, or individuals with prior sensitivity to bees and/or bee products. Those using bee pollen to reduce hay fever should be sure to consume local bee pollen to obtain the best results. Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you have fast or irregular breathing, skin rash, hives or itching. |
Side Effects
Although side effects are possible with any dietary supplement, to date, side effects associated with this dietary supplement have not been reported in medical literature. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
Though nutritional benefit has been noted with this dietary supplement during pregnancy, this dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician. |
Age Limitations
Since this dietary supplement has the potential of causing an allergic response in individuals allergic to bees and pollen, use caution when using this dietary supplement in children due to the possibility of existing, yet undiagnosed, allergies. This dietary supplement should not be used in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Schmidt IO, Btichmann SL. Other Products of the Hive. In: The Hive and the Honey Bee. Hamilton, IL: Dadant & Sons; 1992:927-988.
2 Xie Y, Wan B, Li W. Effect of bee pollen on maternal nutrition and fetal growth. Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. Dec1994;25(4):434-7.
View Abstract
3 Serra Bonvehi J, Soliva Torrento M, Centelles Lorente E. Evaluation of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds in honeybee-collected pollen produced in spain. J Agric Food Chem. Apr2001;49(4):1848-53.
View Abstract
4 Graf E, Eaton JW. Antioxidant functions of phytic acid. Free Radic Biol Med. 1990;8(1):61-9.
View Abstract
5 Dudov IA, Morenets AA, Artiukh VP, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of honeybee flower pollen load. WMJ. Nov1994;66(6):91-3.
View Abstract
6 Schmidt IO, Btichmann SL. Other Products of the Hive. In: The Hive and the Honey Bee. Hamilton, IL: Dadant & Sons; 1992:927-988.
7 Greenberger PA, Flais MJ. Bee pollen-induced anaphylactic reaction in an unknowingly sensitized subject.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. Feb2001;86(2):239-42.
View Abstract
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