Allergies to bee products

Health Canada is raising a small alert about allergies to bee products, not just stings.

It has been reported that atopic and asthmatic individuals may be at an increased risk of allergic reactions, possibly anaphylaxis, after ingestion of products containing royal jelly. Individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis (eg pollen allergies ) may also be at an increased risk for similar serious allergic reactions to bee pollen.

But don't fret. Health Canada admits that in nearly seven years it received 14 reports of suspected adverse reactions involving bee products, only ten of which were considered serious.