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Published on: November 19, 2016
Bee pollen: a dangerous food for allergic children. Identification of responsible allergens
M F Martín-Muñoz1, B Bartolome, M Caminoa
1Allergy Service, Pediatric Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain. mfmartin@luflo.e.telefonica.net
Insights
Bee pollen, a popular supplement, can trigger severe allergic reactions in pollen-allergic individuals. This case highlights the risk, particularly from Asteraceae family pollens, emphasizing caution for those with existing allergies.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Food Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Bee pollen is marketed as a health supplement but poses risks for allergic individuals.
- Pollen allergy is common, and cross-reactivity with bee products is a concern.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy with a history of seasonal rhinitis experienced an allergic reaction after consuming bee pollen.
- Diagnostic tests revealed sensitization to bee pollen and various local pollens, including Asteraceae family pollens.
Findings:
- Specific IgE antibodies were elevated against bee pollen and several common airborne pollens.
- SDS-PAGE immunoblotting suggested Asteraceae pollen components were the primary cause of the allergic reaction.
- The bee pollen sample was found to contain pollens from Quercus, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae families.
Implications:
- Consumption of bee pollen can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing pollen allergies.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of potential cross-reactivity between bee pollen and airborne pollens.
- Further research is needed to identify specific allergens in bee pollen and assess cross-reactivity risks.
Background:
Bee pollen has been proposed as a food supplement, but it can be a dangerous food for people with allergy. We study an allergic reaction after ingestion of bee pollen in a 4-year-old boy who had developed rhinitis in the last spring and autumn.
Methods:
We performed a prick-by-prick test with bee pollen and skin prick tests with the most important local pollens, house dust mites, common fungi, and animal danders. The levels of serum tryptase, serum total IgE and specific IgE against bee venom and local pollen extracts were determined. The composition of the bee pollen was analysed and SDS-PAGE immunoblotting and blotting-inhibition were carried out.
Results:
Prick tests were positive to bee pollen and all local pollens extracts and negative to any other allergen sources. The bee pollen sample contained pollens from Quercus genus, and Asteraceae (Compositae) and Rosaceae families. Total IgE was 435 kU/l. Serum specific IgE to bee pollen was 6 kU/l and greater than 0.35 kU/L against pollens from Artemisia vulgaris, Taraxacum officinalis, Cupressus arizonica, Olea europaea, Platanus acerifolia and Lolium perenne as well as to n Art v 1 and other pollen marker allergens. Tryptase level was 3.5 mcg/mL. SDS-PAGE immunoblotting-inhibition points to Asteraceae pollen as the possible cause of the allergic reaction.
Conclusion:
Foods derived from bees can be dangerous to people with allergy to pollen.
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