What is royal jelly
The queen’s food
In the hive, royal jelly is secreted by the pharyngeal and mandibular glands of young worker bees.
This milky substance plays a central role in the hive, as it is the unique and exclusive food of the larvae for the first three days of life, then of the queen throughout her existence.
The queen of a colony can live 5 to 6 years, while the worker bees live about 45 days. Only the diet differs.
Bees produce only the quantity necessary for their needs. There is no reserve like honey.
Royal jelly is a noble product with very limited production : a hive provides on average 300 to 800 grams of royal jelly per year.
A unique composition
The unique composition of royal jelly explains its properties: it notably contains specific proteins such as the royalisin, which has antibacterial effects.
And above all a majority of Major Royal Jelly Proteins (MRJP), a key substance that may be responsible for immunomodulatory activity and protection against oxidative stress, as indicated by this study.
Royal jelly also contains carbohydrates (sugars), lipids, minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese), and vitamins.
Such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and in particular the B-group vitamins. The latter are essential for many metabolic reactions in the human body).
Finally, royal jelly contains a specific fatty acid, the 10-HDA (10-hydroxy-2E-decenoic acid). It is reported to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic.
The 10-HDA concentration attests to the quality and authenticity of royal jelly.
The benefits of royal jelly
The benefits traditionally attributed to royal jelly result from the observations made between worker bees and the queen bee.
The lifespan and fertility of the queen have led scientists to wonder about the exceptional virtues of royal jelly.
Since most studies are carried out on animals, it is currently difficult to extrapolate these results to humans.
Effect on blood sugar
During a placebo-controlled study of fifty patients with type 2 diabetes, taking 1000 mg of royal jelly three times a day for two months was associated with a greater reduction in glucose levels than in non-supplemented patients.
A decrease in the concentration of markers of “bad” cholesterol was also observed.
Another trial conducted over six months concluded that ingestion of royal jelly could improve glucose tolerance.
Longevity and antioxidant properties
Honeybee queens have a different lifespan than other worker bees, even though they have the same genetic material.
Unlike workers, the queen consumes royal jelly her entire life : this substance has an antioxidant action (which fights cellular aging) and also promotes cell growth.
A review of studies indicated that consumption of royal jelly could play a role against oxidative stress.
Royal jelly notably contains antioxidant proteins, as well as 10-HDA, a fatty acid whose multiple pharmacological effects explain the longevity of queens, as noted in this article.
Finally, in a study on mice, preventive administration of royal jelly resulted in a reduction in tumor size. The body’s antioxidant activity was increased.
Fertility
Royal jelly is traditionally used to promote fertility by increasing sperm motility.
A study in animals concluded an increase in the survival rate of animal sperm, and another observed stimulation of sex hormones in rats.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action
Royal jelly may have an anti-inflammatory function thanks to its main active compound: 10-DHA.
Thus in this study conducted on human cancer cells, the production of molecules promoting inflammation was reduced after treatment with 10-DHA.
This compound also acts as an effective antibacterial against various bacteria, notably Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Effect on hormones
Royal jelly is a substance traditionally used in women because of its similarity to estrogens and its fatty acid content.
It may be useful for reducing menopausal symptoms. Indeed, 10-HDA would stimulate estrogen production: after 8 weeks of royal jelly intake over two months in 200 postmenopausal women, symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats decreased significantly in this trial.
Another clinical trial conducted in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome concluded that royal jelly was effective at reducing PMS symptoms.
Finally, a study showed that administering royal jelly could increase pregnancy rates in sheep.
N.B.: Most research on royal jelly uses animal models. Additional studies must be conducted to confirm or refute these observations in humans.
The different forms of royal jelly
In ampoules
Fresh royal jelly has a distinctive taste, so manufacturers have developed forms that mask its flavor. Royal jelly ampoules are a common form.
When diluted in a glass of water, the ampoules provide a sufficient concentration of royal jelly. A single daily dose is enough.
It is generally mixed with a citrus flavor to have a more pleasant taste.
Ampoules may contain many preservatives and chemicals; be vigilant and read the labels.
In capsules or tablets
Convenient to use, the capsule form allows for adequate preservation of royal jelly. Taking several capsules per day is often necessary.
Royal jelly can be found in a freeze-dried form, which offers optimal quality.
Manufacturers sometimes enrich capsules with other active substances for a synergistic effect: propolis, spirulina, acerola, ginseng, etc.
Check that each capsule contains a sufficient concentration of royal jelly for a significant effect.
In a jar
This is a popular form because it generally produces a very nutritious and natural royal jelly.
Easy to use, it can be consumed pure with a spoon, or used as a spread on bread.
Criteria to consider when purchasing
1. Fresh or freeze-dried
Fresh royal jelly
It is most often found in jars/ It is a pure form containing few, if any, additives. It comes from hive cells and undergoes no chemical processing.
It therefore provides all the vitamins and minerals contained in royal jelly.
Its flavor is tangy and pungent, and it has a strong smell: it won’t appeal to everyone but offers ideal nutritional quality.
Some can be stored at room temperature, but it is recommended to keep it cool to keep its properties intact.
Freeze-dried royal jelly
This is a dry powder form. It is mainly packaged in capsules or tablets, and is sometimes also found in ampoules.
It allows for obtaining a precise quantity of royal jelly. This form is not considered natural since it involves chemical processes to remove the water.
The processing steps can alter the properties of royal jelly: this substance is fragile and does not tolerate the various freezing and drying treatments that are unavoidable to obtain a powder.
Always choose reputable laboratories that provide product analysis certificates.
2. Origin
Countries like China can produce up to 5 kilos per year per hive: production is then industrial, and the properties of the final royal jelly can be altered.
More than 95% of the royal jelly purchased in France is imported from Asia, and only 2% is produced in France.
Since 2016, an international standard has governed the production requirements (quality, safety) of royal jelly.
ISO 12824 requires a minimum concentration of 1.4 grams of 10-HDA, the active compound of royal jelly, per 100 grams of fresh royal jelly, as well as an optimal protein level.
However, some unscrupulous manufacturers artificially enrich royal jelly to reach this level of 10-HDA.
We recommend local and French producers and cooperatives.
In addition, this standard covers two types of royal jelly:
- type 1 royal jelly without added sugary feed for the bees ensures that the bees were fed only pollen, honey, or nectar.
- Type 2 royal jelly means that sugars or proteins have been added.
3. Quality of royal jelly
Turn to laboratories bearing the seal of the GRF label: French Royal Jelly. This label was created by French beekeepers wishing to promote a local, small-scale royal jelly.
The GRF label supports the use of type 1 royal jelly and ensures respect for the bees (no antibiotics added to their feed), their environment, and the manufacturing processes.
Traceability is ensured across the entire production chain, with a quality approach that prevents any risk of chemical or bacterial contamination.
Royal jelly therefore remains in its raw, unprocessed state with no added products.
4. Dosage and Use
The dosage depends on the form used. A minimum average dose of 500 to 750 mg is recommended.
For fresh royal jelly, 1 or 2 grams per day are recommended for a one- or two-month course.
Royal jelly freeze-dried requires several daily doses, up to 5 capsules per day for some labs. Courses are slightly longer, at least two months.
If you choose ampoules, 1 ampoule per day is sufficient if it is properly dosed (and additive-free). It is diluted in a small amount of water or in fruit juice. Take as a course for at least one month.
Whatever the form used, I recommend taking it on an empty stomach, so your body can best absorb the nutrients.
5. Composition
Look for a 100% pure formula, of natural origin, with no preservatives, no colorants, and no added sugars.
Check that the product contains a minimum concentration of 1.4% 10-HDA.
6. And organic ?
Organic royal jelly guarantees a product free of pesticides and heavy metals, with no antimicrobial treatments.
Organic royal jelly is subject to specific regulations: regulated feeding of the bees, use of organic flowers…
Inspections are carried out each year at production sites. Organic certification is rare because it requires that the bees only forage in certified organic fields.
Organic royal jelly ultimately meets criteria similar to those of the GRF label.
It’s better to buy a non-organic royal jelly with the GRF label than an organic-certified royal jelly of foreign origin.
It will also be cheaper than a French organic royal jelly.
Dangers, contraindications and adverse effects
Allergic reactions can occur with royal jelly, especially in people with asthma and in cases of atopic eczema.
I recommend starting a regimen with gradually increasing doses to observe the onset of allergic symptoms (hives, edema, itching).
Particular caution should be taken in cases of hormone-dependent cancer, and it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
To summarize
To be sure you choose quality royal jelly, check:
- Fresh or freeze-dried : prefer fresh royal jelly.
- Origin : choose local French producers and cooperatives, a type 1 royal jelly with a minimum concentration of 1.4 grams of 10-HDA.
- Quality of royal jelly : prefer the GRF label: French Royal Jelly.
- Dosage and use : fresh royal jelly 1 or 2 grams per day, freeze-dried up to 5 capsules per day, or 1 vial per day, and in all cases preferably on an empty stomach.
- Composition : 100% pure formula with a minimum concentration of 1.4% 10-HDA.
- Organic : It’s better to buy a non-organic royal jelly with the GRF label than an organic-certified royal jelly of foreign origin.
