Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar (a sweet watery plant substance), and bee saliva (spit) packed into the hive. Bee pollen has roughly 250 substances, which are thought to work together.
This article discusses what you should know about bee pollen—its potential uses, side effects, and interactions.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Bee Pollen
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Bee pollen is used for various reasons, such as to improve athletic performance. While bee pollen doesn't appear to help with this, there are a few studies evaluating bee pollen for other potential uses.
Cholesterol
A few studies suggested bee pollen may lower cholesterol levels. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed.
Diabetes
A small study assessed bee pollen combined with another bee product called propolis (bee glue). This combination might lower blood glucose (sugar) levels. Because it was a combination product, it is unknown what bee pollen's effects are alone. Larger and well-designed clinical trials are still needed.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a serious and long-term medical condition. While its cause is unknown, some symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Excessive tiredness that doesn't go away after rest
- Memory and concentration (focusing) problems
- Pain
- Sleeping problems
A small study suggested older adults with CFS might benefit from bee pollen. In this small study, bee pollen was part of a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine, so it's difficult to determine its effects alone. For this reason, larger and better-designed clinical trials are still necessary to assess bee pollen's effectiveness for CFS.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
In a review, a couple of small 12-week studies looked at bee pollen use in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is an enlarged prostate that affects many older people assigned male at birth.
As previously mentioned, these clinical trials were small. In addition, a different version of bee pollen extract was used in each study and dosing was different. To better evaluate bee pollen for use in BPH, there is a need for larger and better-designed clinical trials.
Fertility
A 2021 review evaluated numerous bee products (such as bee pollen, honey, royal jelly, bee brood, and more) related to male fertility. The study authors concluded bee products could have possible preventive and therapeutic treatment of male infertility or reduced fertility. The bee products showed positive effects on sperm production and sperm cell life, as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Another review examined the use of bee products for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-related infertility. In particular honey, bee venom, bee pollen, and propolis have been studied. The study authors concluded these bee products have the potential to relieve of several symptoms of PCOS when combined with medications and potentially on their own.
Menopausal Symptoms
In one review, a small study assessed bee pollen and honey for menopausal symptoms—like hot flashes—in which study participants were people on antihormonal therapy for breast cancer. Results of the study suggest that these individuals found some relief from menopausal symptoms with bee pollen and honey.
A clinical trial being conducted in 2022 and 2023 evaluated PCC-100, a pollen extract that doesn't have estrogen. Study participants include people taking endocrine (hormone) therapy for breast cancer. There are also participants with menopause—but no breast cancer—in the study. Results have not yet been published.
Nutrients and Antioxidants
The nutrition content of bee pollen will vary slightly depending on the plant source and season it is collected. Bee pollen has over 250 compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Specifically, bee pollen contains several B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and C. B vitamins play a role in many cellular functions and processes in the body; vitamin A is important for healthy vision, cell growth, and immune function; and vitamin C plays a role in immunity, tissue growth and repair, eye health, and more.
Bee pollen also contains antioxidants including flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
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What Are the Side Effects of Bee Pollen?
As with many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with bee pollen.
Common Side Effects
In general, bee pollen is well-tolerated. But common side effects may include an upset stomach and a tingling or numbing sensation.
Severe Side Effects
A severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication. If you're having a severe allergic reaction to bee pollen, your symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash. This severe side effect might be more likely if you have an allergy to pollen or a severe allergy to bee stings.
Bee pollen may also contain some contaminants, like pesticides. And bee pollen from certain plants may result in liver problems. If you're having liver problems, your symptoms may include dark-colored urine and yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).
Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you're having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Precautions
Your healthcare provider may advise against using bee pollen if any of the following applies to you:
- Severe allergic reaction: If you have had a severe allergic reaction to bee pollen or its components (ingredients), you shouldn't take this medication. You should also avoid bee pollen if you have an allergy to pollen or a severe allergy to bee stings.
- Pregnancy: Bee pollen shouldn't be used during pregnancy. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of bee pollen while pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: There is limited data on bee pollen's safety while nursing. For this reason, it's not typically recommended to breastfeeding parents. Discuss with your healthcare provider the benefits and harms of bee pollen while nursing.
- Children: Many bee pollen product labels are aimed at adults, not children. If you are considering bee pollen for your child, have a conversation with your child's pediatrician or other healthcare provider first.
- Adults over age 65: Older adults have participated in some bee pollen–related clinical trials, such as for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), enlarged prostate, and menopausal symptoms, but many of these studies were small. In general, older adults tend to be more sensitive to side effects from medications than younger people. For this reason, take bee pollen with caution.
- Liver problems: Liver problems might be possible with bee pollen. For this reason, your healthcare provider may recommend against bee pollen if you have a liver condition.
Is bee pollen bad for the kidneys?
There has been a report of a person experiencing renal failure associated with taking bee pollen in a nutrition supplement.It appears to be a very rare occurrence and it's difficult to know how much bee pollen it takes to trigger kidney problems.
Dosage: How Much Bee Pollen Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Bee pollen is available in several forms with capsules being the most common.
While there are some small studies on bee pollen in humans, larger and better-designed clinical trials are still necessary. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take bee pollen for any condition.
Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations or label instructions if you choose to take bee pollen.
Your provider can also ensure you’re giving bee pollen a good trial at appropriate doses.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Bee Pollen?
There is little information about bee pollen toxicity and overdoses in humans. But taking too much bee pollen may result in liver problems. This is a possible side effect of bee pollen from certain plants.
If you think you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Interactions
Use caution when taking bee pollen with Jantoven (warfarin). Since bee pollen may increase warfarin's effects, serious bleeding or bruising side effects are possible.
To take bee pollen safely and to prevent possible drug interactions and side effects, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacist of all medications you take. This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider.
Similar Supplements
Bee pollen is a bee product. Other, similar products include:
- Bee venom
- Beeswax
- Honey
- Propolis (a resin-like mixture that bees use to seal up cracks in the hive)
- Royal Jelly (made by worker bees to feed the larva and queen)
People have used these bee products since ancient times. And while there are studies on these bee products and how they might work, many aren't well-reported. What's more, these bee products have a lot of chemical variability based on the following factors:
- The specific honeybees that make the bee products
- The specific plants that the honeybees used to make the bee products
In general, these bee products need to be standardized. More extensive and well-designed studies can better assess the standardized versions for safety and potential uses.
Sources of Bee Pollen and What to Look For
There are several different sources of bee pollen.
Food Sources of Bee Pollen
In general, pollen has been known as food for centuries. Now, there are several pollen-based foods available. For example, you may find pollen in the following:
- Baked goods
- Cheese
- Drinks
- Meat products
- Yogurt
In general, dietary changes may interact with your medications or affect your medical conditions. For this reason, talk with your healthcare provider first. They will help you safely make any dietary changes.
Bee Pollen Supplements
Bee pollen is available in several forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, bee pollen might also be available in the following dosage forms:
- Granola bars
- Granules
- Liquid
- Powder
There are also vegetarian options. The specific product you choose will depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently depending on the form, so follow your healthcare provider's recommendations or label directions.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredients (s): Bee pollen, roughly 250 substances
- Alternative name(s): Bee pollen, bee pollen extract, buckwheat pollen, extrait de pollen d'Abeille, honeybee pollen, maize pollen, pine pollen, polen de abeja, pollen, pollen d'Abeille, pollen d'Abeille de Miel, pollen de sarrasin
- Legal status: Legal in most U.S. states
- Suggested dose: May vary based on the dosage form and medical condition
- Safety considerations: Likely safe for up to 30 days; severe allergic reaction is possible; avoid use in pregnancy; limited data on safety in breastfeeding; talk with your child's healthcare provider (such as a pediatrician) before use; may interact with some medications
Summary
Bee pollen is a bee product. It's a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, and bee saliva packed into the hive. You may find this product in pollen-based foods, such as baked goods and meat products.
Bee pollen is unlikely to improve athletic performance. It's also been studied for the following:
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Enlarged prostate
However, there's a need for more research, especially in humans, including well-designed, large clinical trials. There's not enough high-quality evidence to support bee pollen for any medical condition yet.
In general, bee pollen is typically well-tolerated. But it's not without side effects. There are also medication interactions to consider. Before taking bee pollen, reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
