Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Bee Pollen Supplement?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

There are several factors which should be considered when choosing a bee pollen supplement. First, you must decide if you want to take the supplement in tablet or capsule form, or if raw granules are preferable. The location where the pollen is harvested is important, as local air quality can affect its pureness; typically pollen found in areas with minimal industry and low pollution are considered best. It is also a good idea to confirm that the supplements are made following strict regulations to ensure they are of the highest quality. Some people may also prefer to take a supplement with other types of supplements included, depending on what effects they are trying to achieve.

A bee pollen supplement can be taken as a pill, or the raw granules can be eaten. Some people prefer taking it in its natural form, though for many it is an acquired taste, as the granules can be somewhat chalky and unpleasant. For those who do not want to eat the raw pollen, supplements can be purchased in capsules or tablets that can be swallowed.

Choosing the best bee pollen supplement involves first deciding whether you want to take it in tablet or capsule form.
Choosing the best bee pollen supplement involves first deciding whether you want to take it in tablet or capsule form.

Another consideration when choosing a bee pollen supplement is the location where the pollen was harvested. Since pollen is collected from flowers, local factors such as industry or high amounts of traffic can affect it, as pollution may lead to high levels of toxins in the plants. You should read the label to find out where the supplement was produced and also consider doing research to find out if the location has any problems with environmental pollution. One area that is considered to produce high quality bee pollen supplements is New Zealand, which has a minimal population and low levels of pollutants.

Some pollen is available as raw granules.
Some pollen is available as raw granules.

Choosing a bee pollen supplement that has been manufactured using the highest quality standards will also help ensure it gives the maximum benefits. Those looking for the best supplement should confirm that the manufacturer is using only natural bee pollen from reputable sources. They should also verify that the supplement was made under strict regulatory guidelines for health and safety.

Local bee pollen may help desensitize some people to the allergens in their environment.
Local bee pollen may help desensitize some people to the allergens in their environment.

Bee pollen is taken because it is thought to offer a variety of health benefits such as increased energy and weight loss. Depending on your reason for taking it, you may choose a supplement that incorporates other herbs, vitamins, or minerals that can help in those areas as well. For example, a product that includes ginseng may be ideal for those looking to increase their energy.

Discussion Comments

irontoenail

@KoiwiGal - I'm not sure if many people realize that some of those "components" are actually bacteria and fungi. I'm not sure if the bee pollen if sterilized before it is sold, but that might be something people should look into. I know that's the reason I won't eat it, even though some of my friends swear by it.

It seems to me just an expensive, fancy kind of vitamin.

I guess I think if it was really that amazing as a supplement, it would be used by doctors instead of herbal medicine gurus.

Now, manuka honey, on the other hand. That's had plenty of scientific tests done on it, showing it to be very anti-bacterial. And thus, kind of the opposite of bee pollen, which actually contains bacteria. Go figure.

KoiwiGal

@bythewell - There are many excellent bee products from New Zealand but I think often the sellers will use the New Zealand reputation in order to fool the customer. It's easy to be blindsided by the pretty landscape pictures and forget to look for the certified organic label.

One thing you need to be aware of is that bee pollen can have side effects. You might be allergic to it and it contains many different substances, the components of which change depending on the hive and the surrounding flowers. Always be careful how much you eat at first to make sure you aren't allergic.

I personally think the benefits are worth it, but I know other people who are worried about allergies and just won't try it at all.

bythewell

Just because the pollen is from New Zealand, doesn't mean it's automatically pollution free. New Zealand does suffer from some pollution, although admittedly less than many other countries.

I would still make sure to check whether pollution was a concern when the people collected the pollen.

And personally, I'd rather get the pollen from a local source, where I knew that they had bees in a non-polluted area, and what kinds of flowers they were likely to be collecting from.

This is also good because it encourages local industry and tends to be cheaper than imported pollen as well.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Choosing the best bee pollen supplement involves first deciding whether you want to take it in tablet or capsule form.
      By: megdypro4im
      Choosing the best bee pollen supplement involves first deciding whether you want to take it in tablet or capsule form.
    • Some pollen is available as raw granules.
      By: marcel
      Some pollen is available as raw granules.
    • Local bee pollen may help desensitize some people to the allergens in their environment.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Local bee pollen may help desensitize some people to the allergens in their environment.
    • Consumers should read the label on a bottle of bee pollen supplements to find out where it was produced.
      By: charles taylor
      Consumers should read the label on a bottle of bee pollen supplements to find out where it was produced.