Bee pollen side effects may include nausea, allergic reactions, and possibly asthma. The side effects of bee pollen are typically more pronounced in people who are sensitive to pollen or who have allergic reactions to bee stings. Some people experience no bee pollen side effects, but research suggests that the longer a person takes bee pollen, the more likely she will be to experience side effects from it eventually. In addition to the potentially negative side effects, bee pollen may also have positive side effects, including the promotion of cell development as well as possibly lowering cholesterol levels.
Many people take bee pollen in capsule form because it is rich in many different proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to possibly lowering cholesterol levels and increasing cell development, bee pollen is also taken because some people believe it might help prevent cancer. Diaper rash creams for babies often contain bee pollen because it might help to soften skin. In spite of the possibility of positive bee pollen side effects, there is no firm research to suggest that it is helpful in any way. Bee pollen is a type of alternative medicine commonly found in health food stores that doctors do not generally advise their patients to take.
Nausea is a commonly reported bee pollen side effect. People who experience nausea as a result of taking bee pollen may have minor to severe nausea, which might also be accompanied by diarrhea. Allergic reactions could also occur when taking bee pollen. In most cases, the allergic reactions people experience from taking bee pollen manifest in the form of hives or some other type of skin rash. Asthma is another of the commonly reported bee pollen side effects, but this is primarily a problem in people who already suffer from asthma.
A person who is interested in taking bee pollen for the alleged health benefits may need to speak with her doctor first. Bee pollen may not be safe for everyone, particularly people who suffer from allergies to pollen or who have severe allergic reactions to bee stings. People who suffer from asthma may also need to avoid bee pollen. There is additionally some evidence to suggest that bee pollen is not safe for women who are pregnant. Breastfeeding mothers might also want to avoid bee pollen because it could easily pass through the breast milk to the baby, and bee pollen is not considered safe for babies.
