5 Min Read

Why Bee Nutrition Matters: Benefits of Amino Acids and Bees

Apiculture
Colony Loss
Pesticides
Varroa Mite
Sustainability

Figure 1. Steady decline of honey bee colonies from 1989-2008. Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service

The Buzz About Bee Decline

Honey bees are vital to our food system, pollinating about three-quarters of the crops we eat. But since the 1990s, their numbers have been dropping fast. This decline is due to several factors, including pesticides, diseases, and—most importantly—malnutrition. When bees don’t get the right nutrients, their health suffers, and this can lead to shorter lifespans and fewer successful colonies.

The Power of a Diverse Diet

Just like us, bees need a varied diet to thrive. They rely on a mix of nectar and pollen for energy and essential nutrients. Unfortunately, modern farming practices, especially monoculture—where only one type of crop is grown—have drastically reduced the variety of flowers available for bees. In the U.S., we’ve lost over 98% of natural plant habitats, and the U.K. has seen a similar loss of wildflowers. With fewer food options, bees struggle to get the diverse nutrition they need.

Figure 2: Metabolite deficiency in gut microbiota-free bees leads to altered behaviors (Source)

The Importance of Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in bee health. They support everything from growth to memory and foraging abilities. Many beekeepers try to supplement bee diets, but simply adding protein isn’t enough if the overall nutrition is lacking.

Enter ApiVera: A Game-Changer for Bee Health

That’s where ApiVera comes in. This innovative hive treatment not only helps combat diseases but also tackles nutritional gaps. It combines powerful amino acids with sugar to give bees a boost.

Figure 3: ApiVera fogger is placed on top of existing Lanstrogth hives. Beekeepers add water and an ApiVera nutrient supplement or miticide into activation chamber.

Here's How Certain Amino Acids Help

1. Lysine
Lysine is crucial for honey bee health, supporting immune function, growth, and brain activity. Deficiencies can weaken bees and reduce hive productivity.
2. β-Alanine
β-Alanine has been shown to improve survival rates in young bees and helps with brain function. It’s especially beneficial for newly emerged bees, giving them a better shot at thriving.
3. Proline
Proline, synthesized in honey bee fat body cells, is the main amino acid in the hemolymph and supports energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Its levels fluctuate throughout the bee's life, typically declining with age.
4. Isoleucine
Isoleucine is essential for honey bees’ protein synthesis and metabolism, with about 4% of their protein intake coming from pollen. Deficiency can impair brood care and colony health, while isoleucine-rich pollen boosts vitality and resilience.
5. Taurine
Taurine supports memory and muscle function. It also helps bees deal with stress, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy colony.
6. Tryptophan
Tryptophan is essential for honey bee growth, foraging efficiency, and royal jelly production, supporting colony health and reproduction. Deficiencies impair cognitive functions and larval development, reducing overall colony vitality.

A Bright Future for Bees

By adding these amino acids to their diets, we can help bees not only fight off diseases but also thrive nutritionally. ApiVera’s solution offers a way to improve bee health and boost their overall productivity. As honey bee populations face significant challenges, focusing on their nutrition is more important than ever. Solutions like ApiVera provide hope for our buzzing friends, supporting both their health and the ecosystem. Let’s advocate for practices that protect and nourish our pollinators, ensuring they continue to play their vital role in our food supply and environment. Together, we can make a difference!

ApiVera Activated Fogging System

Our ready-to-use ApiVera Starter Kit features an ultrasonic fogger that effortlessly delivers essential nutrients and miticides to your hive, making beekeeping simpler and more efficient for all experience levels.

1 size

$399

ApiVera Nutrients

For use with our fogging system, ApiVera nutrients are made of honest ingredients picked right from nature. Made of sucrose and amino acids, feed your bees while promoting bee longevity, brood production, and enhanced memory retention.

5 sizes

$25

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