Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Effective Is Royal Jelly for Fertility?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Royal jelly is a substance that nurse bees secrete and feed to baby bees and queen bees. Queen bees, known for their size and long lives, consume this substance as their main diet. Many people use royal jelly supplements when they are trying to conceive, but the effectiveness of taking royal jelly for fertility is questionable. While it does contain a number of important nutrients and is important in bee reproduction, there is no proof that it has any effect on human conception. Until there are conclusive studies that show it as helpful or otherwise, some people take a "can't hurt but might help" stance.

This substance is often referred to as a super food, which means it contains high amounts of nutrients that fight disease. In the bee world, royal jelly is fed to bee larvae and keeps queen bees well nourished and capable of producing thousands of eggs every day. It is these qualities that are responsible for the connection between royal jelly and fertility. Some people believe that since this substance is so high in nutrition and has such a profound effect on queen bees, it must also have a positive effect on human reproduction. Scientists have not proven the value of using royal jelly for fertility in humans, however.

A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees, but may be used to boost energy, immunity, and as an anti-aging treatment.
A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees, but may be used to boost energy, immunity, and as an anti-aging treatment.

Many people believe that using royal jelly for fertility helps by balancing hormones crucial for conception. They assert that supplementing with this substance results in stronger ovulation or a more mature egg during ovulation. Some also believe the substance may help balance the hormones critical for implantation of a fertilized egg and provide a nutrient-rich uterine lining in which the fertilized egg can develop. Additionally, some assert that it can help men as well, such as in terms of sperm production.

No proof exists that royal jelly supplements can be beneficial for human reproduction.
No proof exists that royal jelly supplements can be beneficial for human reproduction.

Though there is no definite proof of the effectiveness of royal jelly for fertility, some studies have produced evidence that there is truth to some of these claims. For example, some studies have demonstrated that royal jelly and bee pollen can improve sperm counts and help to fix irregular menstrual cycles. Some animal research studies have produced evidence of improved pregnancy rates as well. Until conclusive findings are available, however, many people decide to try it based on the idea that it cannot hurt, and some women claim that it has helped their efforts to conceive a child. Additionally, some naturopathic practitioners recommend it for those hoping to improve their fertility.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I took royal jelly supplements and it didn't do anything for my fertility. Maybe I should have tried the fresh type instead of the pills?

I don't think they work though.

SarahGen

@turkay1-- I personally haven't tried it but my close friend has and she had success with it. She told me that the number and quality of her eggs increased after she started taking royal jelly. I saw her jar of royal jelly and it looked very similar to honey, I think it was mixed with honey so it tasted good.

Of course, correlation is not causation but my friend has a two year old daughter now. I do wonder if this would have been possible without the royal jelly. I think it's worth a try either way.

candyquilt

My doctor told me that I have a low egg reserve and my eggs are not good quality. He has suggested various treatments such as fertility injections. I'm willing to be treated but if there is a natural remedy that can improve my fertility, I'd rather try that first.

Royal jelly was mentioned several times on a pregnancy blog I visit. Honestly, it sounds great. Has anyone tried it for fertility and actually saw results?

In what form did you take the royal jelly? Does it taste bad? Please share your experiences!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees, but may be used to boost energy, immunity, and as an anti-aging treatment.
      A queen bee surrounded by attendants. Royal jelly is produced to feed young queen bees, but may be used to boost energy, immunity, and as an anti-aging treatment.
    • No proof exists that royal jelly supplements can be beneficial for human reproduction.
      By: aidaricci
      No proof exists that royal jelly supplements can be beneficial for human reproduction.
    • While royal jelly plays a crucial role in the lives and reproductive abilities of bees, it's not been proven to enhance the fertility of humans.
      By: Alekss
      While royal jelly plays a crucial role in the lives and reproductive abilities of bees, it's not been proven to enhance the fertility of humans.
    • Many people believe that using royal jelly for fertility helps by balancing hormones crucial for conception.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Many people believe that using royal jelly for fertility helps by balancing hormones crucial for conception.
    • Some studies suggest that royal jelly can be used to regulate menstrual cycles.
      By: blueringmedia
      Some studies suggest that royal jelly can be used to regulate menstrual cycles.
    • Smoking cigarettes may cause fertility problems in women.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Smoking cigarettes may cause fertility problems in women.
    • The effectiveness of taking royal jelly for fertility is questionable.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      The effectiveness of taking royal jelly for fertility is questionable.