The Side Effects of Bee Pollen Supplements

Bee pollen is actually the pollen of the flower that sticks to a bee's legs and is harvested from the bee as it enters the hive. The pollen also contains a small amount of the nectar from the flowers. Royal Jelly is the food the worker bees make from the pollen to feed exclusively to the queen. This is said to be the reason she lives for years while the average life span for a worker bee is quite short. Do not confuse bee pollen and royal jelly supplements. Bee pollen has 25% protein, many vitamins and minerals and is very low in fat and sodium.

Types of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen can come in many different forms. These include capsules, granules and tablets. Freeze dried bee pollen is best as fresh pollen loses nutritional value due to oxidation. Heat dried or processed bee pollen should also be avoided for the same reason.

Minor Side Effects

Minor side effects are similar to those of allergy sufferers. Typical reactions are itchy eyes and throat, wheezing and coughing, skin flushes and hives. Nausea and vomiting can be another minor side effect of bee pollen.

Major Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction can be a side effect. Anaphylactic shock includes feelings of tightness in the chest and throat. Breathing problems can occur that lead to unconsciousness, convulsions and death. If you are allergic to bees, always check with your doctor before using a product containing bee pollen.

Benefits of Bee Pollen

According to some bee pollen fans, a person can live off raw bee pollen if necessary since it has so many vitamins, minerals,amino acids, enzymes and proteins. It has been said to give users more energy, reverse aging, aid in weight loss, increase sex drive. Some claims have even included bee pollen as a reversing agent in degenerative disease and an aid in cancer treatment. None of these claims have been substantiated by the FDA however and they advise it's use as a vitamin supplement only.

How to Choose a Good Bee Pollen

Make sure your choice of bee pollen comes from a FDA GMP compliant manufacturing facility. GMP means good manufacturing practices and has been inspected to find the factory is clean and operates correctly. Be aware of where your bee pollen comes from as some products from China have been shown to be contaminated. Choose freeze-dried to receive maximum nutritional benefit.