*3.3. Proximate Composition of Bee Pollen*

Protein content ranged between 15.74 and 27.92% (*p* < 0.05) with an average of 22.31%, which confirms the important role of bee pollen for human nutrition. The level of proteins was in agreement with those reported from Brazil (12.28% to 27.07.%) [40], Spain (15.19–20.23%), Colombia (21.6%) and Italy (19.5%) [22]. Gardana et al. observed a lower content in terms of proteins (12.3%) for bee pollen from Spain [22]. The great variability of protein level in the 24 samples analyzed might be influenced by the floral sources, geographical origin and/or storage conditions.

Lipids are considered the third group of substances present in the bee pollen, after carbohydrates and proteins, and are vital for the generation of royal jelly. The lipids ranged between 2.24 and 7.30% (*p* < 0.05), with a mean concentration of 4.49%. The principal compounds are triglycerides, carotenoids and sterols [42].

Ash represents 2.29 to 4.02% (*p* < 0.05) of the bee pollen with a mean of 3.18%, in agreement with the literature [17]. In the case of energy value of the bee pollen it was 368.19 to 407.68 kcal/100 g (*p* < 0.05), with a mean of 390.66 kcal/100 g; this fact confirms the importance of this bee product for human nutrition.
