Pine Pollen Side Effects

Pine pollen supplements can cause several side effects, especially in people with pollen allergies:

Allergic reactions: Many people are allergic to pollen in general, so ingesting pine pollen may trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. In some cases, it can even cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Gastrointestinal issues: Pine pollen supplements may cause mild digestive problems like bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort in some people. These effects are usually not severe.

Hormonal imbalances: Pine pollen contains phytoandrogens that mimic testosterone. While this may benefit those with low T, excessive consumption could lead to hormonal imbalances, especially in women, causing symptoms like acne, mood swings, hair loss, and menstrual irregularities.

Drug interactions: There is limited data on pine pollen's interactions with medications, but it may interfere with drugs that regulate hormones like birth control or hormone therapy.

Long-term effects: The long-term safety of pine pollen supplements is unknown, as most studies have only looked at short-term use.

Overall, pine pollen is an underresearched supplement. More human studies are needed to fully understand its benefits and risks. People with pollen allergies should avoid it, and anyone considering pine pollen should consult their doctor first.