Bee Pollen Side Effects

Updated: 28th April 2021

Bee pollen side effects can include mild to severe allergies and intolerance.

If you are considering taking bee pollen supplements, and you are generally a person who has a number of allergies to different foods, then you should be cautious.  If this describes you, then you may also wish to consult a doctor for advice, before taking the product.

If you would like to try taking bee pollen, it is advisable that you start with one or two granules only – a tiny amount, to test for allergy. Keep the granules in the mouth for a little while, before swallowing. Take it on a day and in circumstances where, if serious side-effects occurred, you would be in a position to seek medical attention easily and immediately.

Before Taking Bee Pollen, Please Note The Following Warnings

• Do not take bee pollen if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  
  
• If you have an allergy to bee venom through bee stings or other bee products such as propolis, you probably should not take bee pollen.  Seek advice from a suitably qualified health care professional.
  
  
• Note that bee pollen is different from that which is associated with hayfever. Hayfever is usually caused by wind-borne pollens from wind pollinated plants (such as cereals) and trees. You can learn more about this on the page What Is Bee Pollen?
  

Summary of potential side effects of taking bee pollen

Allergic reactions and intolerance to bee pollen can occur, whatever the format (dried or raw bee pollen etc).

In the event of allergy, there may be initial signs, such as inflammation of the inside of the mouth, or a stinging or sore sensation in the throat.

Other possible symptoms of intolerance to bee pollen include stomach aches and nausea.

Have you suffered a reaction after taking bee pollen?  When should you visit the doctor?

If you have take any bee pollen supplements, and experience any of the following, seek medical assistance:

Difficulty breathing
Muscle pain
Dizziness
Weakness
Swelling – for example, around the throat or mouth
Fever
Diarrhoea

Reactions to bee pollen are thought to be fairly uncommon, however they can be serious, and so if you are going to take it in any format, you should be vigilant.

Further information about bee pollen

Assuming all is well, and you wish to take it, you might also be interested to look at this background information about the reported health benefits of bee pollen – I hope this provides a balanced view, since it draws on scientific research evidence.

You could take a look at the nutritional content – here you can see a comparison between bee pollen and every-day foods: an apple, and kale. The information is organised into tables. There is additional interesting information about its use in weight loss.