Hi All, this old study (no citation) was just forwarded to me.  Bee pollen
supplements can cause anaphylactic reactions

Although many people take bee pollen as a health supplement, it can cause
severe anaphylactic reactions. However, most people are unaware of the
risks, states an article published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association
Journal).

A case study in the journal illuminates the possible hazards of ingesting
bee pollen. A 30-year-old woman with seasonal allergies but no history of
allergies to food, drugs, insects or latex had an anaphylactic reaction
after taking bee pollen. She had swelling of the eyelids, lips and throat,
difficulty swallowing, hives and other life-threatening symptoms. After
emergency treatment and discontinuation of the bee pollen supplements,
there were no further reactions.

"Anaphylaxis associated with the consumption of bee pollen has been
reported in the literature, but many people remain unaware of this
potential hazard," write Dr. Amanda Jagdis, University of British Columbia,
and Dr. Gordon Sussman, St. Michael's Hospital and the University of
Toronto.

Anaphylactic reactions after ingesting bee pollen have been reported in
people with no history of allergies or only seasonal allergies. In a Greek
study in which atopic participants underwent skin tests for reactions to
bee pollen, 73% (of 145 patients) had positive skin test reactions to one
or more types of bee pollen extracts.

"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," conclude the authors.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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