Bee pollen contains a rich store of a variety of nutrients. Like many natural supplements, proponents claim it can address an eclectic mix of health problems, though evidence is lacking on most fronts, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. It is probably most commonly used to treat pollen allergies, with the theory being you can build up a resistance to the pollen by ingesting it. This carries some risks, however. Clear dosing guidelines for this supplement have not been established. If you believe taking bee pollen will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about the appropriateness of use and a suggested dose for your needs.
Dosage Guidelines
No clear dosage amounts have been established for bee pollen. Drugs.com notes that one study looking at its effects on prostate problems used either 375 mg or 750 mg twice daily, with individuals taking the higher dose experiencing greater symptom improvement. It also notes a study testing an herbal extract containing bee pollen on premenstrual symptoms that contained 36 mg of bee pollen and 120 mg of a pollen and pistil combination and other ingredients, once a day.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes that many athletes typically take five to 10 tablets daily and that most products contain 200 mg to 500 mg per tablet. Research does not support the use of bee pollen for enhancing athletic performance, one of its more heavily promoted uses. It recommends following the manufacturer's suggestions for a dosage.
The lack of clear dosing guidelines makes it prudent to seek professional guidance. If bee pollen does exert any therapeutic benefit, you want to make sure you are taking enough to address your specific condition but not more than you need.
Allergic Reactions
If using bee pollen to desensitize yourself to pollen allergies, you run the risk of having a potentially deadly reaction to the supplement. Even if you do not have allergies, you can still have an allergic reaction to bee pollen. Reactions have occurred with even small amounts of bee pollen -- as little as one-quarter of a teaspoon. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, MSKCC, advises against the use of bee products if you have an allergy to bee stings, sensitivity to honey or are allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums.
Other Negative Reactions
Drugs.com notes a case report of a woman who experienced rash on sun-exposed areas after taking a supplement that contained bee pollen. Whether the bee pollen was directly responsible was not determined, but it is possible it could cause photosensitivity. MSKCC notes two reports of acute hepatitis after taking bee pollen.
Other Considerations for Use
Bee pollen might increase the effects of warfarin and other anticoagulant medications by interfering with their metabolism in the body. Drugs.com notes animal studies found the use of bee pollen in pregnant rats resulted in reduced infant mortality and offspring with higher birth weights, which suggests it might serve as a valuable source of prenatal nutrition. Whether or not you can safely consume it during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established, however. Always talk to your doctor before using any supplement in these instances.
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