Bee pollen has a variety of medicinal uses, including treating allergies and respiratory infections. Children who suffer from asthma, gastrointestinal disorders or poor appetite could benefit from taking bee pollen. Don't give your child bee pollen without first consulting his doctor to discuss the potential dangers and correct dosage.
Function
Bee pollen contains polysaccharides, lipids, amino acids, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and essential fatty acids, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Due to the high nutrient content in bee pollen, the substance is often used as a nutritional supplement. Bee pollen could also provide various health benefits in treating certain medical conditions, although the exact function behind these uses is unknown, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Effects
Bee pollen could help in treating allergies and respiratory infections, as well as in improving physical performance, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Bee pollen may also increase your child's strength and stamina, as well as improve his appetite, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If your child has asthma, taking bee pollen might help as well. Don't give your child bee pollen for any medical purpose without first talking with his doctor, however.
Potential
Bee pollen may have the potential to treat diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and alcoholism, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Additionally, bee pollen could possibly help to prevent cancer. Taking bee pollen may improve your child's memory as well, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Bee pollen from rye specifically could help in treating prostate problems like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia -- BPH -- although these conditions don't occur in children, according to the University of Michigan Health System. No conclusive, widely-accepted scientific research supports the use of bee pollen for any medical purpose, however.
Dosage
You can find bee pollen as an ingredient in some health bars and in tablets. The typical dosage of bee pollen is five to 10 tablets daily, with each tablet containing 200 to 500mg of bee pollen, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This dosage isn't necessarily appropriate for children, so you should ask your child's physician about the safe dosage before giving your child any form of bee pollen.
Warning
The most serious risk of taking bee pollen involves an allergic reaction. If your child has an allergy or sensitivity to pollen, never give her bee pollen tablets, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Even small amounts of bee pollen can trigger an allergic reaction in people who have pollen allergies, causing anaphylaxis and even death. Related allergies than can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction to bee pollen tablets include allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, bee venom from bee stings and honey, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
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