Bee pollen: Purported health benefits and possible side effects

Latest Update

Bee Pollen for Allergies?

Written by Meredith Worthington, Ph.D. — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated May 11, 2023 ⓘ

A wooden spoon holding bee pollen granules over a table

Answer:

Bee pollen is a compound made up of pollen grains held together with nectar or honey and bee saliva. A teaspoon (3 to 5 grams) of bee pollen provides about 16 Calories and contains about 2.17 grams of carbohydrate, 1.2 grams of protein, and 0.25 grams of fat, as well as 2.4 mg of vitamin C (4% DV), 0.36 mg of iron (2% DV), 32.1 mg of potassium (0.68% DV), and 0.24 mg of sodium (USDA FoodData Central, 5-1-23; USDA FoodData Central, 5-1-23b), along with small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins (Ghouizi, Antioxidants (Basel) 2023).

Bee pollen is promoted for numerous health conditions, such as supporting immune health, boosting energy, reducing cholesterol, boosting liver function, reducing inflammation, reducing seasonal allergies, and promoting would healing, but there are very few clinical studies evaluating bee pollen for these conditions. Sign in as a member for details, including whether clinical studies support use of bee pollen for any of these conditions, possible side effects such as allergy, drug interactions of bee pollen, and cost.

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