Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Royal Jelly Concentrate

Also known as: Royal jelly, Bee milk, RJ, Royal Jelly

Overview

Royal jelly is a milky secretion produced by worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) to feed the queen bee. It is a nutrient-rich substance containing carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is marketed as a dietary supplement and functional food, primarily used for various health conditions, including menopausal symptoms, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Royal jelly's composition can vary depending on geography and climate, but it generally contains bioactive components such as flavonoids, proteins, peptides, and fatty acids. Research on royal jelly is ongoing, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggesting potential health benefits, but more standardized and long-term studies are needed. The quality of evidence varies, with some studies showing heterogeneity and methodological limitations.

Benefits

Royal jelly has shown potential benefits in glycemic regulation and anthropometric indices. Some studies suggest that royal jelly can improve glycemic control, particularly in reducing fasting blood glucose levels. A systematic review found that daily ingestion of 3000 mg of royal jelly for eight weeks significantly decreased fasting blood glucose in diabetic individuals compared to a placebo group. A meta-analysis indicated that royal jelly supplementation, especially at doses less than 3000 mg/day, can reduce body weight and body mass index. Additionally, royal jelly has been reported to improve immune function, aid in wound healing, and decrease the severity of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. There is also some evidence suggesting that royal jelly may improve symptoms of menopause, although the evidence is not robust. These effects are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties.

How it works

Royal jelly's bioactive components modulate various biological pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and AMPK, which are involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. It interacts with the immune system by enhancing immune function, and with the metabolic system by improving glycemic control and lipid profiles. The molecular targets include various signaling pathways and enzymes involved in inflammation and metabolism. While the absorption and bioavailability of royal jelly's components are not extensively studied, its bioactive compounds are believed to be absorbed and utilized by the body effectively.

Side effects

Royal jelly is generally considered safe when taken short-term, with doses up to 4.8 grams daily used safely for up to 1 year. However, long-term safety data is limited. Common side effects include allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with asthma or allergies to bee products. Skin irritation and rash can also occur when applied topically. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but possible. Royal jelly may interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding, and with antihypertensive drugs, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low. Individuals with asthma or allergies to bee products should avoid royal jelly. Its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended due to lack of reliable information. Children aged 5-16 years can use royal jelly safely for up to 6 months, but caution is advised due to limited data.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of royal jelly is not well established, but doses of 1000 mg to 3000 mg per day have been used in various studies. Optimal dosages range from 1000 mg to 3000 mg per day, with doses less than 3000 mg/day showing significant effects on body weight and BMI. The maximum safe dose is generally considered to be up to 4.8 grams per day for short-term use. There is no specific timing recommended for royal jelly supplementation, but it is typically taken once daily. Royal jelly can be taken orally in capsule or liquid form, or applied topically in various products. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the best form and dose.

FAQs

Is royal jelly safe?

Royal jelly is generally safe for short-term use but may cause allergic reactions in individuals with asthma or allergies to bee products. Long-term safety data is limited, so caution is advised.

When should I take royal jelly?

There is no specific timing recommended for royal jelly supplementation, and it is typically taken once daily. Consult a healthcare provider for the best form and dose for your needs.

What results can I expect from taking royal jelly?

Users can expect potential improvements in glycemic control, immune function, and anthropometric indices, but results vary across studies and individual responses.

Is royal jelly the same as bee pollen?

No, royal jelly is often confused with other bee products like bee pollen, beeswax, and propolis. It is a distinct substance produced by worker bees to feed the queen bee and should not be used interchangeably.

Research Sources

https://www.wjgnet.com/1948-9358/full/v10/i2/96.htm – This systematic review examined the effects of royal jelly on glycemic regulation in both human and animal models of diabetes. The findings suggest a general trend of positive effects, with significant reductions in fasting blood glucose levels observed in some studies. However, the review noted heterogeneity among studies and rated the quality of evidence as low to very low due to limitations such as a lack of blinding.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-503/royal-jelly – WebMD provides general information on royal jelly, including its uses, potential side effects, and drug interactions. It notes that royal jelly is generally considered safe for short-term use but may cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals with asthma or bee allergies. It also mentions potential interactions with warfarin and antihypertensive drugs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39296128/ – This study investigates the potential effects of royal jelly on biomarkers related to COVID-19 infection and severe progression. The research explores the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of royal jelly in the context of viral infections. The findings suggest that royal jelly may have a role in supporting immune function during viral infections.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1196258/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of royal jelly supplementation on anthropometric indices. The analysis indicated that royal jelly supplementation, especially at doses less than 3000 mg/day, reduces body weight and BMI. The review noted significant heterogeneity among studies but found good to moderate quality in the included trials, with proper blinding in 80% of studies.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371944505_The_Potential_Effect_of_Royal_Jelly_on_Biomarkers_Related_to_COVID-19_Infection_and_Severe_Progression – This study explores the potential effect of royal jelly on biomarkers related to COVID-19 infection and severe progression. It investigates the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of royal jelly in the context of viral infections. The findings suggest that royal jelly may have a role in supporting immune function during viral infections.