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What is the Difference Between Bee Pollen and Royal Jelly?

Vanessa Harvey
Vanessa Harvey

The difference between bee pollen and royal jelly lies in the definition of what each substance is. Bee pollen is the natural pollen of various flowers that is gathered by bees as they feed on nectar. Pollen gets stuck to the legs and other body parts of the bee. Royal jelly, on the other hand, is a fluid made in the pharyngeal glands of bees and secreted by these glands. It is composed of water, nectar, honey, saliva, vitamins and hormones.

Bee pollen and royal jelly are both found in the hives of bees, but just as they are different in composition, they also are used for different purposes by the bees. Royal jelly is a food that is prepared for the nourishment of larvae for the first few days of their life and is food for the queen for all of her life. Amazing claims have been made about the nutritional value and health claims of both of these substances, many of which are the same for both substances.

A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees.
A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees.

It is often reported that bee pollen provides the highest amount of certain nutrients — such as vitamins, minerals, hormones, amino acids, fats and enzymes — compared to other foods or nutritional supplements. Bee pollen and royal jelly are said to be rich in nutritional value and perfect in the proportions of those nutrients. The fact that the queen bee grows to a larger size, is more fertile and lives longer than all of the other bees of the hive also has encouraged the belief that bee products are miraculous cures for numerous health problems. They also are believed to increase a person's physical and mental stamina — a claim that has sparked interest particularly among athletes.

Bee pollen can be consumed as a supplement in pill form.
Bee pollen can be consumed as a supplement in pill form.

Believers in the nutritional value of bee pollen and royal jelly for use in alternative medicine have claimed that these all-natural substances can eliminate deficiencies in any vitamin or mineral. They believe that these bee products have rejuvenating power and that they slow the aging process, strengthen the immune system, are natural antibiotics and are a general cure-all. Nutritionists, research scientists and skeptics, however, remind the public that the nutrients contained in bee pollen and royal jelly are abundantly found in perfect proportions in organically cultivated foods. Emphasis also is placed on the fact that even the most perfect food for a bee is not necessarily a perfect food for another form of life.

Royal jelly, commonly available in supplement form, has not been proven to have any beneficial health effects.
Royal jelly, commonly available in supplement form, has not been proven to have any beneficial health effects.

People do not have the same nutritional needs as bees. There also is the concern for possible allergic reactions, which can be very severe in some individuals who take bee products. Individuals who are allergic to pollen in general should consult their doctor before taking bee products.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

If anyone is planning to use a supplement for fertility, royal jelly is the one for you. Bee pollen is best for vitamin deficiencies. Royal jelly has many health benefits like improving fertility, especially in women. My sister got pregnant thanks to royal jelly.

burcidi

@ddljohn-- Propolis is a type of resin that bees collect and use in the beehive. Some manufacturers add this to their bee pollen and royal jelly supplements to make the supplement more beneficial. These are usually combined in a base of honey to preserve their benefits.

I personally take an organic royal jelly and bee pollen supplement without propolis. I'm sure propolis is beneficial too, but I'm satisfied with my current supplement. It gives me a lot of energy and my immunity has improved as well. I have chronic allergies when I don't take bee pollen and royal jelly.

It's up to you to decide what type of supplement you will use. I think that most beehive products contain much of the same minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Even though bee pollen and royal jelly are different things, I'm sure you will experience benefits regardless of which one you use. Just make sure that the manufacturer is well known and trustworthy.

ddljohn

I understand the difference between bee pollen and royal jelly. But what is propolis? I see supplements containing all three of these. Should I buy an only royal jelly supplement or should I buy royal jelly with bee pollen and propolis?

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    • A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees.
      A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees.
    • Bee pollen can be consumed as a supplement in pill form.
      By: Anthony Hall
      Bee pollen can be consumed as a supplement in pill form.
    • Royal jelly, commonly available in supplement form, has not been proven to have any beneficial health effects.
      By: aidaricci
      Royal jelly, commonly available in supplement form, has not been proven to have any beneficial health effects.
    • All bee larvae are fed pollen except for those destined to be queens.
      By: marcel
      All bee larvae are fed pollen except for those destined to be queens.
    • Many people who use either bee pollen or royal jelly to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Many people who use either bee pollen or royal jelly to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
    • Bee pollen and royal jelly will both be found in a bee hive.
      By: dendron
      Bee pollen and royal jelly will both be found in a bee hive.