Bee Pollen for Allergies: Does It Work?

Question

​The claim that bee pollen can effectively treat allergies is false. Some preliminary studies and anecdotal reports do suggest potential benefits, however, there is insufficient scientific proof to support bee pollen as a reliable treatment for allergies.​ A small study on mice demonstrated that bee pollen suppressed the release of mast cells, which trigger allergic reactions. Another limited human study reported fewer allergy symptoms among participants regularly ingesting bee pollen. Nevertheless, these studies are only preliminary, and more extensive clinical trials are needed to establish actual proof.​ Health organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic, caution that most studies on bee pollen's benefits are small and not conducted on humans, rendering the results inconclusive.

Answer 1

I agree with the claim that bee pollen is not helpful for allergies solely based on the fact that there is no real evidence to back up the claim. An article by Cleaveland Clinic titled, “Bee Pollen: What It Is and Why You Really Don’t Need It” The article quotes “Wellness and preventive medicine specialist Robert Saper, MD, MPH” where Dr. Saper says, “There are no persuasive studies for bee pollen’s effectiveness on any condition that I’m aware of ... Although it’s been suggested to help many conditions, there’s inadequate data to say for certain.” The article brings up a great point that the effects of bee pollen are positive but that there is still no proof that it helps with allergies, predominately those of seasonal allergies in the spring and summer where bee’s move more pollen in the air then normal. It is not crazy to understand why it would make sense for the honey of those bees moving the pollen in the same area as a person were to experience seasonal allergies, but sadly people with seasonal allergies will have to find another way to combat the issue.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bee-pollen-benefits  

Answer 2

While bee pollen may offer some benefits to specific individuals, it shouldn't be used as a substitute for proven medical treatments. WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic state that because most of these studies were conducted in small groups and not on humans, these results are considered invalid. Just because there is some circumstantial evidence it doesn't make it enough to prove their claim. 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bee-pollen-benefits

https://www.webmd.com/balance/bee-pollen-benefits-and-side-effects

Answer 3

The claim that bee pollen can help reduce allergies is false. The article goes on to reflect on why bee pollen does not help or eliminate allergies and instead gives us examples on bee pollen's nutritional benefits. There is still no factual scientific data confirming that bee pollen can help reduce allergies. Although I think this claim was sourced from the article Local Bee Pollen: Allergy Relief, Benefits and Potential Risks by Wyndly Care Team. The article goes on to shed light on the theory of immunotherapy, which is the thought that having small exposure to your allergy could work to alleviate symptoms (WYNDLY ) Although there is not much scientific data backing that claim. Also from more research I found “ The type of pollen that bees carry is not the kind of pollen that causes allergy. It's the wind-transported pollen that causes symptoms” so in fact that goes against the entire theory of immunotherapy making the claim false, and this claim in its entirety not correct.

Answer 4

Bee pollen being claimed to help allergies is a myth that dates back as far as 375 BC by Greek physician hippocrates. This claim that it helps with allergies is a myth but not acknowledging that bee pollen also has a variety of benefits would not give the whole story. Multiple sources have had doctors speak out and explain other benefits of bee pollen such as antioxidant protection, and a boosted immune system. While there are benefits, bee pollen is not a miracle worker or a promise of better health. While bee pollen has no relation to allergy treatment, one should do research to see if bee pollen will benefit them personally.

https://www.nebraskamed.com/health/healthy-lifestyle/primary-care/top-5-benefits-of-bee-pollen-supplements

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bee-pollen-benefits

https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/client/hermann/item/26631-ask-dr-mike-emfs-is-bee-pollen-all-hype

Answer 5

In an article from Cleveland Clinic, bee pollen does not help with allergies. While there is health benefits from bee pollen due to the make-up of the pollen including many vitamins and nutrients. This article also points out that there are health risks associated with bee pollen such as possible mold growth common in the pollen. It points out that the benefits that can be found in bee pollen are easily obtainable in much easier ways such as eating a balanced meal.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bee-pollen-benefits