Knowledge and Use of Bee Products in Lithuania

Area of Science:

• Apitherapy
• Consumer Health
• Natural Products Research

Background:

• Growing public interest in natural bee products.
• Limited research on consumer knowledge, habits, and attitudes towards bee products.
• Focus on pharmacological properties overshadows consumer understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• Estimate the popularity of various bee product uses.
• Assess consumer knowledge of bee products in Lithuania.
• Identify demographic factors influencing bee product perception and use.

Main Methods:

• Online survey distributed to the general adult population in Lithuania.
• 421 respondents completed the survey.
• Data collected on knowledge, consumption habits, and attitudes towards bee products.

Main Results:

• Honey, beeswax, and royal jelly were the best-known products; bee venom was least known.
• Older adults and professionals in pharmacy, healthcare, cosmetology, agriculture, beekeeping, and food production exhibited higher knowledge.
• Honey primarily used for colds (78.9%), prevention (78.1%), and fever reduction (65.3%).
• Dietary honey consumption was low (28.3% used rarely).
• Propolis was the most used product for cosmetic purposes (34.2%).
• Gender differences observed in honey usage: men for digestive/circulatory issues and food/beverages, women for respiratory issues and cosmetics.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of bee products is higher among older individuals and professionals in specific sectors.
• Honey consumption as a dietary staple is low, but older individuals use it more frequently.
• Significant gender-based differences exist in the application of honey for health and cosmetic purposes.