Pollen and Nutrition

Bee pollen is the product that worker bees make by moistening pollen collected from flowers with nectar and secretions and carrying it back to the hive as pellets in the pollen baskets on their hind legs; it is the colony's main source of protein. In human nutrition it is eaten as a food supplement containing protein, vitamins and minerals; however, evidence that it treats disease is limited. Because pollen can cause severe allergic reactions, it should be tried for the first time in a very small amount.

What is bee pollen and how is it collected?

A forager collects pollen from the anthers of a flower on the hairs of her body, combs it off with brush-like hairs on her legs, moistens it with a little nectar and saliva, and packs it into the pollen basket (corbicula) on her hind leg. Back at the hive she deposits these pellets in comb cells; some of it later becomes bee bread (perga).

Pollen is indispensable for the colony: nurse bees can only produce royal jelly and larval food with the protein they get from pollen. Without pollen, no brood can be reared.

Nutritional value and composition of pollen

Pollen contains protein and free amino acids, carbohydrates, fats and fatty acids, some B vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds (such as flavonoids). These values, however, are not fixed.

• The source plant is decisive: The protein content varies greatly from plant to plant; some pollens are rich in protein, others relatively poor.
• The amino acid balance varies: Pollen from a single plant may be short of some essential amino acids.
• Mixed pollen is better balanced: Pollen collected from many plants usually gives a more balanced profile than single-source pollen.

For this reason pollen is not a standard product. A statement on the label such as "contains this much protein" is only meaningful if it is based on laboratory analysis of that batch.

Is pollen good for your health? The state of the evidence

The nutrient content of pollen is measurable and clear; in this respect it can be regarded as a food supplement. By contrast, claims about fatigue, immunity, the prostate, allergy "vaccination" or weight loss are mostly based on laboratory and animal studies. Studies in humans are few in number and small in scale; it is therefore accurate to say "there are preliminary findings, but the evidence is limited".

The belief that you can "get rid of hay fever by eating pollen" is particularly risky: an allergic person eating pollen can have a severe reaction. Allergy treatment is planned only by a doctor.

Pollen allergy and other risks

• Starting with a small amount: A common recommendation is to start with a few granules the first time; this does not prevent allergy, but it stops a severe reaction coming with a large amount.
• Children, pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before using it as a supplement at these times.
• People taking medication: Especially those on blood thinners and those with chronic illness should ask a doctor; there are case reports suggesting pollen may interact with some medicines.
• Contamination and residues: Pollen can carry pesticides and environmental pollution from the area where the bees fly. The pollen of some plants can contain natural plant toxins (pyrrolizidine alkaloids).
• Mould: Mould and mycotoxins can develop in pollen that has not been dried properly or has absorbed moisture.

Producing pollen with a pollen trap: step by step

Pollen for sale is collected with a pollen trap fitted to the hive entrance. As the bee passes through the perforated grid of the trap, some of the pellets on her legs drop off and collect in the drawer below.

1. Choose suitable colonies: Only strong, healthy colonies with plenty of brood; traps are not fitted to weak or diseased colonies.
2. Choose the right time: Fit the trap when there is an abundant pollen flow in the area; in a dearth the colony cannot meet its own needs.
3. Remove the trap during treatments: Pollen is not collected from a hive being treated for varroa; also stop collecting if crops in the area are being sprayed.
4. Emptying the drawer: Empty it every day if possible. Fresh pollen is very moist and in hot weather soon starts to go mouldy.
5. Cleaning: Remove bee fragments, wax crumbs and foreign matter by sieving or with a gentle air stream.
6. Drying or freezing: Dry it straight away at a low temperature or freeze it fresh (see below).
7. Records: Note the hive, date, area and main plant sources.

How is pollen dried and stored?

Well-dried pollen pellets are hard, do not crush easily between the fingers, do not stick together and do not smell mouldy. Pollen that has turned powdery, clumped together or has white-green spots is not eaten.

The cost of pollen production to the colony

A trap directly reduces the colony's protein intake. In a colony with a trap fitted for long periods without a break, the brood area shrinks, nurse bees' royal jelly production falls and the colony loses strength. Honey yield can also be affected.

• Use it intermittently: Fitting the trap on some days and leaving it open on others reduces the burden on the colony.
• Monitor the stores in the hive: If the cells of pollen around the brood area are dwindling, remove the trap.
• End of season: Let the colony build up its pollen stores during winter preparation.

Common mistakes

• Not emptying the trap drawer for days; the pollen takes up moisture and mould in front of the hive.
• Leaving pollen in the sun or at high heat to dry it.
• Forgetting the trap on the hive during treatment periods.
• Making treatment claims such as "good for allergies" when selling; not including an allergy warning.