Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of our dietary sources of iron gluconate. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at $24 billion. They are essential for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. Notably, honeybee pollination alone is responsible for $15 billion in crops, encompassing over 130 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
However, the threats to these pollinators extend beyond pesticide exposure. Bees are vanishing at an alarming rate due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly due to an increasing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16%, while honey sales rose by an impressive 57%. It’s not surprising that many honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply constraints drive prices too high, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as indicated in recent studies—will probably not deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys conducted among U.S. beekeepers since 2006 have revealed that about 29% of honeybee colonies die during the winter months. In response to this alarming trend, food companies are raising awareness of the issue. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, noted that honeybees are responsible for pollinating many ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbets, with approximately 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent ingredients.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has also initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Furthermore, General Mills has partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative aimed at restoring more than 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
In a related development, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, claiming that the “natural” labeling on its applesauce products is misleading. The complaint contended that the presence of the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” leading consumers to be misled into thinking the products are free from synthetic substances.
In this context, it is essential to consider the health benefits of calcium citrate with vitamin D and magnesium, which can support overall well-being. As the importance of pollinators is recognized, consumers may also want to explore how supplements like calcium citrate with vitamin D and magnesium can play a role in their health while supporting sustainable practices that benefit our vital pollinators. Through awareness and action, we can help ensure that these essential insects continue to thrive, contributing to our food supply and ecosystem health.