An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made startling discoveries about certain weight loss supplements containing bee pollen as an active ingredient. Cancer and stroke-causing chemicals are popping up in bee pollen products. Bee pollen (like ragweed or other plants, depending on where the bee pollen comes from) can cause a serious allergic reaction — including itching, redness, shortness of breath, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Bee pollen is not safe for children or pregnant women.
Recently, many weight loss products have added bee pollen as a “natural remedy.” But the FDA warns against these products. Some of the products contained toxic ingredients not listed on the label, sibutramine and phenolphthalein. They have caused cardiac issues, seizures, and at least one death.
A few of the bee pollen products that the FDA called out include Ultimate Formula, Fat Zero, and Zi Xiu Tang. If you take anything away from this, don’t try a weight loss formula just because it seems “natural.”