Analysis of suspected adverse reactions to food supplements containing beehive products: an update from the Italian Phytovigilance System.

Introduction: Beehive products are widely used in food supplements; however, their composition variability and allergenic components have raised some concerns. This work aims to provide information about the beehive products safety profile by evaluating the suspected adverse reactions (ARs).

Methods: The suspected report of ARs collected within the Italian Phytovigilance System (IPS) were evaluated. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the cases were described, and the causality assessment performed.

Results: 61 reports were analysed, mainly concerned women. Serious events were reported in 17 forms (28%). The ARs (n=116) referred to respiratory (25.0%), skin (24.1%), and gastrointestinal disorders (21.5%). Label warnings for atopic subjects were present only in 7 food supplements. The causality assessment was mostly probable (54.1%).

Conclusions: Present findings outline relevant information about the safety issues of beehive product consumption, especially in atopic or allergic subjects, and strengthen the importance of IPS to point out safety signals.