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Tools and Resources
Bee Pollen
| General Info |
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Active Forms
Not applicable.
Absorption
Bee pollen is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.(1, 2)
Dietary Sources
Bee pollen does not occur in the body, and is collected from honeybees (Apis millifera) for use as a dietary supplement.
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| Dosage Info |
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Dosage Range
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.
Most Common Dosage
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.
Dosage Forms
Capsules, tablets, and granules. Bee pollen products are also available in liquid extracts and tinctures, creams, and salves.
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Adult RDI
None established
Adult ODA
None established
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| Overview |
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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, being used as a rejuvenating medicinal agent dating to the early Egyptians and ancient Chinese. It has been called many things, from a "fountain of youth" to "ambrosia of the gods." Hippocrates, used it as a healing substance some 2,500 years ago. Bee pollen is rich in vitamins, especially the B vitamins, and contains trace amounts of minerals, elements, amino acids, and enzymes. Again, the location and source of the pollen may cause variability in the vitamin/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.(3) 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 are favorable. 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. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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Bee pollen is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.(1, 2)
General
Bee pollen is reported safe in recommended dosages.(4)
Allergy
Due to the nature of pollen being collected from many different plants, there is a potential for the development of an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.(5) 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.
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| Functions in the Body |
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Antioxidant/Hepatoprotectant
In one laboratory animal study the feeding on honeybee flower pollen load for one month was investigated.(6, 7) Results were that the content of glutathione, total SH-groups as well as activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in these animals in comparison with the control group were increased. It was concluded that bee pollen may have non-specific antioxidant activity.
Immunomodulation/Anti-allergenic
Bee pollen has been reported in an animal study to increase humoral immune response and changed the reaction of delayed-type hypersensitivity.(8) Antioxidant phytochemicals, such as those found in bee pollen, are reported to help in mast-cell stabilization, decreasing allergic-type reactions.(9)
Nutritive source
Pollen grains, which are flowers' male reproductive cells, containing concentrations of phytochemicals and nutrients.(10)
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| Clinical Applications |
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Anti-allergenic
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. Pollen supplements have been successfully used homeopathically and for treatment of some cases of benign prostatitis(11, 12) and for oral desensitization of children who have pollen allergy.(13) |
Improves Resistance To Disease, Immune Function
Bee pollen traditionally has been reported to protect the body from various diseases and to improve immunity.(14) |
Nutritive Value
Bee pollen consists of many nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids (including caprylic, linoleic, linolenic and eicosanoic fatty acid depending on plant source), 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, molybedenum, boron, and titanium.
Results suggested that bee pollen could improve maternal nutrition without affecting normal fetal development. It is a practical and effective nutrient during pregnancy.(15) One laboratory study reported that mice survived well for over a year on a diet containing only bee pollen.(16) In general, compared to many standard human foods, pollen is rich in protein, low in fat and possesses a wealth of minerals and vitamins. |
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| Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency |
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Bee pollen is not made in the human body and there is no deficiency condition associated with a lack of this substance in the diet.
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| Footnotes |
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1 Schmidt PI, Schmidt IO, Weber CW. Mesquite Pollen as a Dietary Protein Source for Mice. Nutr Reports Intl. 1984;30:513-22.
2 Bell RR, Thronber EI, Seet ILL, Groves MT, Ho NR, Bell DT. Composition and Protein Quality of Honeybee-Collected Pollen of Eucalyptus calophylla. I Ntitr. Dec1983;113:2479-2484.
View Abstract
3 Schmidt IO, Btichmann SL. Other Products of the Hive. In: The Hive and the Honey Bee. Hamilton, IL: Dadant & Sons; 1992:927-988.
4 Schmidt IO, Btichmann SL. Other Products of the Hive. In: The Hive and the Honey Bee. Hamilton, IL: Dadant & Sons; 1992:927-988.
5 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
6 Dudov IA, Starodub NF. Antioxidant system of rat erythrocytes under conditions of prolonged intake of honeybee flower pollen load. WMJ. Nov1994;66(6):94-6.
View Abstract
7 Bevzo VV, Grygor'eva NP. Effect of bee pollen extract on glutathione system activity in mice liver under X-ray irradiation. WMJ. Jul1997;69(4):115-7.
View Abstract
8 Dudov IA, Morenets AA, Artiukh VP, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of honeybee flower pollen load. WMJ. Nov1994;66(6):91-3.
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9 Chen S, Gong J, Liu F, et al. Naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidants modulate IgE-mediated mast cell activation. Immunology. Aug2000;100(4):471-80.
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10 Schmidt IO, Btichmann SL. Other Products of the Hive. In: The Hive and the Honey Bee. Hamilton, IL: Dadant & Sons; 1992:927-988.
11 Ask-Upmark E. Prostatitis and its Treatment. Acta Med. Scand. 1967;181:355-57.
12 Denis LI. Chonic Prostatitis. Acta Urol. Belg. 1966;34:49-55.
13 Samochowiec L, Dtitkiewicz T, Wojcicki I, et al. The Influence of Pollen Extracts (Cernilton GBX and Cerniltin T60) on Allergic Reactions. Phytother Res. 1992;6:314-317.
14 Dudov IA, Morenets AA, Artiukh VP, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of honeybee flower pollen load. WMJ. Nov1994;66(6):91-3.
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15 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
16 Liebelt R, Lyle D, Walker I. Effects of a Bee Pollen Diet on Survival and Growth of Inbred Strains of Mice. Am Bee J. 1994;134:615-620.
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