Is Royal Jelly Safe to Take?

Royal jelly is a milky white substance secreted from the salivary glands of worker bees to be provided for the queen bee. It assists with growth and development of the queen bee and also sustains growing queen larvae. Royal jelly makes the queen bees different from worker bees, and without it, their life spans would be shorter. Royal jelly is considered an antioxidant and a powerful antibacterial protein that can be beneficial to humans.

Benefits

• Zhion.com finds royal jelly to be high in antioxidants and also to contain acids such as 10-hydroxy-trans-2-deconic, which are able to increase neurons, benefiting brain function. The website also finds that royal jelly is effective in fighting diabetes through insulin control and keeping liver enzymes in normal range. Royal jelly also has potential cholesterol-lowering properties and can assist in treating high blood pressure. It is also thought to be beneficial in dealing with allergies, fatigue, inflammation and DNA protection.

Safety

• Royal jelly is safe for most people. Rxlist.com doesn't suggest royal jelly for women who are pregnant, people who have dermatitis or asthma sufferers. Royal jelly can cause a serious allergic reaction, which can cause swelling and inflammation of the throat. Online-vitamins-guide.com feels that people with bee or honey allergies or those with asthma shouldn't take royal jelly. They also don't suggest royal jelly for small children or those with compromised immune systems.

Considerations

• According to Zhion.com, there have only been 9 reported cases of side effects related with royal jelly, and in these cases they were connected with persons suffering from asthma or anaphylaxis. These reports happened before 1999, and the side effects included urticaria. eczema, rhinitis and asthma. They find that more studies need to be conducted to determine other side effects or if certain interactions with royal jelly and individuals are possible health benefits. Zhion.com references a discovery where royal jelly from honeybees may have a small estrogenic reaction that could effect estrogen receptors. Royal jelly can be purchased as capsules, chewable tablets, elixir and liquid. It can be fresh or freeze-dried. Royal jelly can also be found in skin care products from skin creams to soaps.