Bee pollen is a substance produced by flowers and collected by bees, then harvested from bees to produce commercial bee pollen supplements. Bee pollen contains a variety of compounds, including proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of flower the pollen was derived from. Little safety information has been collected on bee pollen, although preliminary data suggests it produces only mild side effects and is generally safe. Similar to any new health supplement, ask your doctor before taking bee pollen.
Itching and Sneezing
The most common possible side effect from bee pollen is an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to bee stings, ragweed, chrysanthemum or honey, you are probably also allergic to bee pollen and should not take it as a supplement, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include itching, sneezing, swelling and headache.
Anaphylaxis
In rare cases, bee pollen supplements can cause a severe allergic reaction, leading to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition in which the airways can swell shut. If you develop swelling of the face, tongue or throat and have difficultly breathing after taking bee pollen, contact emergency health services immediately.
Abdominal Pain
Bee pollen has also been reported to cause gastrointestinal effects, such as abdominal pain and nausea, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute. In some cases, diarrhea may also result.
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