Determination of Water Content in Brazilian Honeybee-Collected Pollen by Karl Fischer Titration (CAT#: STEM-PPA-0129-YJL)

Introduction

Bee pollen has been a part of the human diet due to its high nutritional value and consists of approximately 40% carbohydrates, 35% proteins, 4–10% water, 5% lipids, and 5–15% other substances, such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antibiotics and antioxidant substances. It is popularly believed that regular consumption of bee pollen has a beneficial effect on several medical conditions, such as: depression, anemia, stress-related diseases, memory loss, intestinal and prostate problems, impotence, ageing, impaired immune functions, among others.
The water content of bee pollen is an important quality parameter or indicator, as it directly influences several basic characteristics of the product, in addition to directly affecting the product’s keeping quality and typical flavor, as well as product and aroma preservation. A high water content may increase the activity of microorganisms and enzymes, which in turn, may change sensory characteristics of the product. On the other hand, a much reduced water content may result in rapid rancidity.