Dietary Supplements information including Propolis

Propolis

Propolis is a reddish brown wax-like resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and used as a cement and to seal cracks or open spaces in the hive. Honeybees will use propolis to attempt to seal any gap inside the hive that is smaller than the bee space, approximately 1/4 inch.

Traditionally, beekeepers assumed that bees sealed the cracks and joints of the beehive with propolis to prevent drafts during the wintertime. More recent research suggests that bees not only survive, but thrive with increased ventilation during the winter in most temperate regions of the world. Propolis is now thought to:

reinforce the structural stability of the hive reduce vibration make the hive more defensible by sealing alternate entrances Bees will also sometimes use propolis to keep the hive hygenic. Bees normally carry waste (dead larva, etc.) out of and away from the hive. However, if a mouse chews its way into the hive for a winter nest and dies, the bees won't be able to move it out through the hive entrance. They have instead been known to seal the carcass in propolis, effectively mummifying the mouse.

Propolis is marketed by health food stores as a traditional medicine, and for its claimed beneficial effect on human health. However, research is inconsistent on its efficacy. Claims have been made for its use in treating allergy; it may stimulate the immune system, but some warn that it should not be taken if the user is likely to have severe allergic reaction to bees.

Consult your physician before begining any dietary supplement regimen.

HEALTH NEWS

Breaking Health News Updated every 15 minutes click here

FEDERAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering "conventional" foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading.

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Thee United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.The department has more than 300 programs.

Nutrition.gov
Nutrition and health information on government websites.