Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

The effectiveness ratings for BEE POLLEN are as follows:

Possibly ineffective for…

• Athletic performance. Taking bee pollen by mouth doesn’t seem to improve athletic performance.

There is interest in using bee pollen for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

When taken by mouth: Bee pollen is possibly safe when used for up to 30 days. It’s usually well-tolerated, but some people might experience allergic reactions.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy: Taking bee pollen by mouth is possibly unsafe during pregnancy. It might stimulate the uterus and threaten the pregnancy. Don’t use it.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if bee pollen is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Pollen allergy: Bee pollen can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to certain types of pollen. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

Moderate

Be cautious with this combination.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Bee pollen might increase the effects of warfarin. Taking bee pollen with warfarin might result in an increased chance of bruising or bleeding.

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

There are no known interactions with foods.

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bee pollen might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.