Is Bee Pollen Unsafe During Pregnancy?
QUESTION
Dear Nutritionist,
I know some food supplements are not recommended in pregnancy. I take bee pollen and am wondering if it's okay to continue once I am pregnant?
Thanks,
Wendy
ANSWER
Hi Wendy,
I found the following information on bee pollen and pregnancy below; therefore, just to be on the safe side I recommend that you do not take the bee pollen during your pregnancy. If you have further questions about bee pollen during this time, consult with your OB/GYN. In fact, you should ALWAYS speak with your doctor first before taking any type of supplement other than what your doctor has prescribed!
Listing from Naturaldatabase.com:
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally. There is some concern that bee pollen might have uterine stimulant effects; avoid using.
References:• Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.• The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.• Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
Thanks,
-- Kimberly, RD LD
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Kimberly Tessmer
Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD has been a registered dietitian since 1992 and is also an Ohio licensed Dietitian. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Dietetics) from Bowling State University in Bowling Green, OH. She currently owns and operates a consulting business called "Nutrition Focus" www.nutrifocus.net, in which she specializes and offers services in the areas of weight management, general nutrition, authoring, menu development and a variety of other services.
Kim's current clients and endeavors as well as her past experience as a National Corporate Dietitian, for three National weight loss companies, prove her knowledge and reliability. To date Kim has authored three books including "The Everything® Nutrition Book", "Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Celiac Disease", and "The Everything® Pregnancy Nutrition Book". In addition, Kim has written numerous articles for various health/nutrition web sites and magazines including Bally Total Fitness Magazine, Well and Healthy Women Magazine and Healthology.com, Inc as well as continuing education courses for www.care2learn.com. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the ADA Practice Group, Nutrition Entrepreneurs. Kim has been included in the 2003-2004 Edition of the "National Register's Who's Who in Executives & Professionals."
We invite you to visit Kim's website. We're excited to have her on board!
