Pollen of various plants contains lipids differing in concentration and fatty acid composition

Pollen of various plants contains lipids differing in concentration and fatty acid composition. For honey bees, lipids are mainly an energy source and improve development, nutrition, and reproduction. A bee colony requires 8–30 kg of pollen annually; its deficiency reduces brood quantity, fat body and gland development, leading to decreased wax and royal jelly production, premature exhaustion, and death. Pollen stimulates queen egg laying, but collection decreases with queen aging due to reduced egg production and brood. Pollen consumption enhances bee resistance to diseases; its absence can cause spread of European foulbrood.