Bee Pollen For Fertility: Does It Work?

Determine if you are allergic to bee pollen first to ensure its safe use for the desired purpose.

Medically reviewed by Seeemaa Budhraja, DDHE & DNHE Seeemaa Budhraja Seeemaa BudhrajaDDHE & DNHE MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Certified Dietitian and NutritionistExperience: 4 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Reshmi Das MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 4 years
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Benefits Of Bee Pollen For Fertility

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Bee pollen is the pollen from flowers and plants collected by worker honeybees to be used primarily for food. It can be gathered by placing traps at the entrance of the bee hives. Bee pollen contains essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids that promote health. Some people also believe in the benefits of bee pollen for fertility.

Traditionally, bee pollen, also known as royal jelly or ambrosia, was an anti-aging and energy-giving food. In addition, it is believed to promote reproductive health, increase egg quality, boost endurance, and subside allergy symptoms (1). However, no studies exist to support the effectiveness of bee pollen in increasing fertility.

Read on to learn more about whether bee pollen improves fertility and its potential side effects.

In This Article

Bee Pollen And Fertility

Since bee pollen is rich in nutrients, it may improve fertilitySince bee pollen is rich in nutrients, it may improve fertility

Image: Shutterstock

Bee pollen is considered one of the foods that increase fertility. Here’s how bee pollen is believed to work:

  • Some women may have difficulty in conceiving due to the lack of nutrients. Since bee pollen is a nutrient-rich food, taking its supplements could help restore the nutrient balance in the body (2) and might improve the possibility of conception.
  • Bee pollen is believed to increase estrogeniA hormone responsible for the development and functioning of female reproductive organs. levels and support uterine liningiA lining of the uterus where the embryo implants after the fertilization process. and stimulate ovarian function (3). It may, therefore, help in releasing healthy eggs.
  • An animal study has shown the androgenic property of bee pollen, wherein it caused an increase in testosterone level and sperm count (4). It is, therefore, likely to support male fertility.

Possible Side Effects Of Bee Pollen

Bee pollens may cause wheezing and discomfort

Image: Shutterstock

Even though there are no significant side effects of bee pollen, some people could be allergic to bee pollen. The common symptoms include skin rash, wheezing, low pulse, and discomfort. In rare cases, it could cause anaphylaxisiAn extreme reaction to an allergen causing breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness. . Those taking blood thinners should avoid it. People with stomach problems, hay fever, prostate problems, joint pains should consult a doctor before consuming bee pollen. And those with asthma and allergies to bee stings, honey, or pollen grains are advised against taking it (5) (6).

protip_icon Quick fact
Bee pollen may also cause bruising, tingling, numbness, pain, stomach pain, loss of appetite, swelling, rapid weight gain, and muscle weakness (7).

Measures To Take While Taking Bee Pollen For Fertility

Get regular checkups while taking bee pollen for fertility

Image: Shutterstock

While consuming bee pollen for fertility, following these measures could play a role in conception.

  • Choose only high-quality bee pollen obtained from organic sources. Those sourced from industrial farms might contain harmful chemicals. Be careful in selecting the source and brand of the bee pollen.
  • Eat healthy foods,take balanced diets, nutrition rich foods and avoid processed foods that have high amounts of salts and toxins.
  • Indulge in regular exercises, get enough rest, and de-stress yourself.
  • Get regular checkups to understand the fertility condition of both you and your partner.
  • If you plan to take the supplements during ovulation, consult your doctor first.
  • It is wise to take advice from your gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist before you start with any bee nectar or pollen supplements.

protip_icon Be watchful
Bee pollen may also interact with anticoagulantsiA substance or medication that prevents the clotting of blood and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. such as warfarin. Inform your doctor if you are on any blood thinners (7).

How Much Bee Pollen Should You Take A Day?

There is no standard dosage of bee pollen for fertility problems since it is an unproven treatment. A certified herbalist might guide you in this.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can bee pollen help with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

A study indicates that bee pollen, alone or with metformin, can alleviate PCOS symptoms in rats (8). However, more research is required to determine if bee pollen is helpful for humans.

2. Can bee pollen be used in conjunction with IVF treatments?

A study suggests that bee pollen can improve IVF treatments (9). However, more research is necessary to determine if these results stay consistent in all women undergoing IVF treatments.

3. Can bee pollen help with menstrual irregularities?

Bee pollen may reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms, but it is not known if it can help with menstrual irregularities (10). Further research is required to assess its effects on menstrual anomalies and hormonal balance.

Bee pollen is commonly used as a dietary supplement as it is rich in many essential nutrients and micronutrientsiEssential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that the body requires in lesser quantities. . It is also gaining popularity as a remedy for fertility issues. It is advisable to use such alternative therapy only under a doctor’s guidance. Moreover, you should ensure that the bee pollen you use is good quality and organic. Store it in an airtight container and sprinkle it over salads, smoothies, muffins’ batter, or oatmeal for better consumption.

Infographic: Bee Pollen As Possible Infertility Treatment

If you are struggling with fertility, you may have heard many suggestions from well-wishers to increase your chances of conceiving. Bee pollen is one such way. This infographic highlights how it may help with infertility and possible side effects. So remember to consult your doctor before using it to prevent complications.

bee pollen for fertility and its side effects (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Bee pollen may enhance reproductive health, improve egg quality, increase endurance, and alleviate allergy symptoms.
  • Bee pollen supplements may raise estrogen and testosterone levels, promoting fertility.
  • Individuals allergic to bee pollen may experience skin rashes, wheezing, low pulse, and discomfort.
  • To ensure safety, only buy bee pollen supplements from reputable sources, and seek advice from a healthcare professional before consuming.

Illustration: Bee Pollen And Fertility: Everything You Need To Know

Bee Pollen For Fertility_illustration

Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Gene Bruno; Bee Pollen, Propolis & Royal Jelly; Huntington College of Health Sciences (2005).
2. Jérôme Salles, et al.; Bee Pollen Improves Muscle Protein and Energy Metabolism in Malnourished Old Rats through Interfering with the Mtor Signaling Pathway and Mitochondrial Activity; Nutrients (2014).
3. How to Boost Fertility Naturally; National University Of Natural Medicine
4. Güldeniz Selmanoğlu et al.; The Effect of Pollen on Some Reproductive Parameters of Male Rats; Pesticides and Phytomedicine (Belgrade) (2009).
5. Amanda Jagdis and Gordon Sussman; Anaphylaxis from bee pollen supplement; Canadian Medical Association Journal; 2012
6. Bee Pollen; University of Rochester Medical Center
7. Bee Pollen; Drugs.com
8. Synergic effect of bee pollen and metformin on proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells: Rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome; Journal of Food Biochemistry – Wiley Online Library
9. Useful impacts of royal jelly on reproductive sides, fertility rate and sperm traits of animals; Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition – Wiley Online Library
10. Is bee pollen the answer to your PMS?; Nutritionist Resource

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Seeemaa Budhraja
Seeemaa BudhrajaDDHE & DNHE
Seeemaa Budhraja is a Delhi-based dietitian and nutritionist. She specializes in weight and lifestyle management. She is a healthy recipe designer, works as a health motivator and wellness coach as well. She has worked as a slimming head with one of the top organizations in India.

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Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Reshmi Das
Reshmi DasMSc
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

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