Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the side effects and risks of royal jelly?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Royal jelly is a special milky substance secreted by the hypopharyngeal glands in the heads of worker bees, used to feed the queen bee and larvae. Its side effects and potential harms include allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal discomfort, hypoglycemic reactions, and worsening of asthma symptoms. Before consuming royal jelly, perform an allergy test by first ingesting a small amount and observing whether any adverse reactions occur. If there are no abnormalities, it can then be consumed normally.

     Royal jelly is a special milk-like substance secreted by the hypopharyngeal glands in the heads of worker bees, used to feed the queen bee and larvae. Its side effects and potential harms include allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal discomfort, hypoglycemic reactions, and worsening asthma symptoms. Detailed analysis is as follows:

     1. Allergic Reactions

     Royal jelly contains various proteins, peptides, and other bioactive substances, which can act as allergens in individuals with allergic constitutions. Consumption may trigger allergic symptoms such as skin itching, redness, rash, and hives. Severe cases may experience respiratory symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, and even life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

     2. Hormonal Imbalance

     Royal jelly contains certain amounts of sex hormones, including estrogen, androgen, and progesterone. Long-term excessive consumption of royal jelly may lead to hormonal imbalances in the body. Women may experience menstrual disorders and breast hyperplasia, while men may suffer from effects on the reproductive system and symptoms related to endocrine disorders.

     3. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

     Royal jelly has a pH of 3.5–4.5, making it acidic, and contains some bioactive components. Consuming it on an empty stomach or in excessive amounts may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion, and cause symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

     4. Hypoglycemic Reaction

     Royal jelly can regulate sugar metabolism in the body and promote insulin secretion, thus having a blood sugar-lowering effect. For individuals with inherently low blood sugar or those currently taking antidiabetic medications, consuming royal jelly may cause blood sugar levels to drop excessively, triggering hypoglycemic reactions such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and sweating.

     5. Worsening of Asthma Symptoms

     The bioactive substances in royal jelly may irritate the respiratory tract. For asthma patients, consuming royal jelly may induce or exacerbate asthma attacks, intensifying symptoms such as coughing and chest tightness, causing discomfort to the patient.

     Before consuming royal jelly, perform an allergy test by taking a small amount initially and observing for any adverse reactions. If no abnormalities occur, proceed with normal consumption. At the same time, strictly control the intake amount; avoid excessive consumption blindly and follow the principle of gradual progression.

Related Articles

View All
What foods should be avoided if I have uterine fibroids?
In general, when suffering from uterine fibroids, foods that should be avoided include royal jelly, chili peppers, chocolate cake, pork liver, and Ejiao cake (a traditional Chinese sweet made with donkey-hide gelatin). In daily life, it is important to maintain dietary diversity and balance, increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and fish, to ensure comprehensive nutrition, support normal physiological functions, and maintain hormonal balance.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What should patients with breast tumors avoid eating?
Under normal circumstances, breast tumor patients should avoid consuming foods such as organ meats, royal jelly, French fries, pickled cured meats, and alcoholic beverages, as well as medications including diethylstilbestrol tablets, metandienone tablets, tamoxifen tablets, ethinylestradiol cyproterone acetate tablets, and compound levonorgestrel tablets. Patients with breast tumors should maintain a light and nutritionally balanced diet in daily life, with increased intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, and high-quality protein.
avatar
Dr. Lv Dapeng
View Full Answer
What Foods Should Be Avoided with Uterine Fibroids?
Under normal circumstances, patients with uterine fibroids are not advised to consume foods such as royal jelly, donkey-hide gelatin (Ajiao), animal offal, spicy hot pot, or high-sugar milk tea. In addition, patients with uterine fibroids should also avoid eating preserved foods such as salted fish and cured meats. At the same time, it is important to maintain emotional stability, avoid excessive fatigue, and undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor changes in the fibroids.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What should not be eaten with uterine fibroids?
Under normal circumstances, patients with uterine fibroids should avoid consuming foods such as royal jelly, Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin), snow frog extract, soy isoflavone supplements, and longan. They should also use medications like estradiol valerate tablets, conjugated estrogen tablets, nylestriol tablets, diethylstilbestrol tablets, and progesterone soft capsules with caution. Additionally, they should maintain a light diet, regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 patterns), and avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What are the dietary禁忌for neurofibromatosis?
In general, there are no absolute dietary restrictions for patients with neurofibromas. However, it is not recommended to consume spicy foods, fatty meats, salted fish, royal jelly, or white spirits. Additionally, patients should also avoid fried foods and pickled foods as much as possible. At the same time, it is important to maintain a light diet, ensure balanced nutrition, engage in appropriate physical activity, and enhance physical fitness in daily life.
avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
View Full Answer
What should I do about uterine fibroids?
In general, uterine fibroids may be caused by long-term mental stress, hormonal fluctuations, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), red degeneration of uterine fibroids, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through lifestyle adjustments and medication under a doctor's guidance. Daily, it is important to maintain a light diet and reduce the intake of high-estrogen foods, such as royal jelly.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What to Eat in Summer to Combat Fatigue and Boost Energy
Under normal circumstances, summer fatigue can generally be alleviated by consuming foods such as mint, lemon, watermelon, nuts, green tea, and medications including Vitamin B1 tablets, Vitamin B12 tablets, ginseng royal jelly capsules, Acanthopanax capsules, and Compound Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) syrup. Mint has a fresh aroma and contains menthol, which can stimulate the nerves and create a cool, refreshing sensation.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What foods should be avoided with uterine fibroids?
Under normal circumstances, individuals with uterine fibroids should avoid consuming foods such as soy milk, honey, royal jelly, longan, and lychee. Patients with uterine fibroids are advised to choose nutrient-rich foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and eggs, and maintain a diet low in fat, salt, and sugar. Such dietary habits can help control the condition and promote recovery. At the same time, regular gynecological examinations are recommended.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.