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Safety With Bee Pollen

Pollen from flowers sticks to the legs of the bees that visit to collect nectar, and this pollen can then be gleaned from the bees' bodies by beekeepers. Bee pollen has been used since ancient times for therapeutic purposes, and is sold as a nutritional supplement in the 21st century, primarily for the relief of allergies. Individuals who ingest bee pollen should be aware of a number of safety issues relating to the product before consuming it.

  1. Why Ingested

    • Bee pollen contains carbohydrates and protein, as well as some small amounts of minerals. Bee pollen producers claim it helps boost energy and athletic performance, combats hay fever, allergies and respiratory problems, and even reduces the memory loss triggered by aging. However, according to According to the NYU Langone Medical Center website, there is no medical evidence to support these claims.

    Pollen Allergies

    • The largest safety hazard associated with bee pollen comes in the form of possible allergic reactions. Allergic responses to ingesting bee pollen can vary. At a low-risk level, allergic reactions can include the swelling of skin and itching, while more serious issues caused by allergic reactions include respiratory problems; for example, breathing may become difficult. Anaphylaxis, a hypersensitive allergic reaction, can occur in some people between 20 and 30 minutes after ingesting even small amounts of bee pollen, and potentially lead to death. Testing for an allergic reaction by initially ingesting a granule or two of bee pollen is recommended.

    Side Effects

    • Beyond pollen allergies, people have reported a few other side effects after ingesting bee pollen. These include cases of diarrhea, and when the bee pollen is consumed in especially large amounts, gastrointestinal irritations. Such irritations tend to be relatively minor in nature. The Medicine Net website also recommends that women who are breast feeding or are pregnant should avoid ingesting bee pollen.

    Dosage

    • The West Glamorgan Beekeepers website suggests that adults begin consuming bee pollen at a dosage of only 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon each day, before raising this amount to 1 or 2 teaspoons per day over time. However, you should look for guidance from medical professionals before ingesting any bee pollen products.

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