Scientific Research on Supplements

[sparkybeardyandme]

I am very interested in researching every aspect of my bearded dragon care. I see there is a lot of research into calcium supplements and there is a definite need for calcium and D3 and a few other supplements in captive dragons that is well researched.

One area that I'm struggling to find anything on is bee pollen.

I was recently research grapefruit seed extract and it appears that there is no actual trials or scientific evidence to support the health benefits of GSE, in fact a lot of benefits noted appear to come from chemicals added to the supplement.

I was just wandering if anyone knew of any research papers or trials that looked into the health benefits of bee pollen. I know that it can be good to make fussy dragons eat there greens, but I wondered if there was any actual evidence to other things that it claims to do.

 

[CooperDragon]

Unfortunately I don't think there is a lot of research for supplements for reptiles. (or reptile research in general really) Most of what I know of supplements is anecdotal. Bee pollen for instance seems to help with their appetites as you said. It's full of protein, vitamins, and minerals which should be good. I used it when I was nursing my dragon back to health and it certainly didn't seem to hurt his recovery and appetite buildup. I try to stick to a varied diet including lots of veges figuring that a well balanced diet should be able to give them the nutrients they need to be healthy. Again anecdotal but my guy seems to be pretty happy and healthy. I wish I had more for you by way of research results though.