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Royal jelly consumption and hypersensitivity in the community
1Department of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Summary
Royal jelly consumption is common and linked to allergic reactions, especially in atopic individuals. Further research is needed to define the exact relationship between consumption, sensitization, and adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Public Health
Background:
- Royal jelly consumption is increasingly associated with severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and fatalities.
- A growing concern exists regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of hypersensitivity to royal jelly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of royal jelly consumption in Hong Kong.
- To investigate the relationship between royal jelly intake and hypersensitivity reactions.
- To assess the risk of sensitization to royal jelly in atopic individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1472 hospital employees.
- Questionnaires assessed royal jelly consumption and allergic symptoms.
- Skin testing to royal jelly was performed on 176 respondents and 300 asthma clinic patients.
Main Results:
- 31.3% of subjects consumed royal jelly.
- Nine subjects reported 14 adverse reactions, including urticaria, eczema, rhinitis, and asthma.
- 7.4% of respondents and 7.3% of asthma patients had positive skin tests to royal jelly; most were atopic.
Conclusions:
- Royal jelly consumption is prevalent in Hong Kong.
- Atopic individuals show a high risk of sensitization to royal jelly.
- The precise link between royal jelly use, skin test reactivity, and clinical reactions requires further definition.