Bee pollen is taken by many people as a health supplement, but it can cause severe allergic reactions in individuals who may not know they are at risk, new research shows.
The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, is based on the case of a 30-year-old woman that illustrates the potential hazards of ingesting bee pollen. The woman – who had seasonal allergies but no history of allergies to food, drugs, insects or latex -- had an anaphylactic reaction after taking bee pollen.
It caused swelling of her eyelids, lips and throat, difficulty swallowing, hives and other life-threatening symptoms that required emergency treatment.
"Anaphylaxis associated with the consumption of bee pollen has been reported in the literature, but many people remain unaware of this potential hazard," said researchers Dr. Amanda Jagdis, of the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Gordon Sussman, of St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto.
The investigators said the case study is a cautionary tale that should raise awareness of the potential for life-threating reactions to bee pollen in some people.
"Health care providers should be aware of the potential for reaction, and patients with pollen allergy should be advised of the potential risk when consuming these products — it is not known who will have an allergic reaction upon ingesting bee pollen," they concluded.