Is More MGO in Honey Better? Understanding Manuka Honey Grades

Manuka honey is renowned for its significantly higher levels of the natural compound methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it potent antibacterial properties. While higher MGO does mean greater potency, determining whether more is "better" depends entirely on your personal health and wellness goals.

Quick Summary

The ideal MGO potency in Manuka honey varies with its application. High MGO is potent for therapeutic use, whereas lower grades are sufficient and economical for daily wellness. Understanding the MGO scale helps balance cost and benefit.

Key Points

• MGO vs. Usage: More MGO is better for targeted therapeutic applications, while lower grades are better suited for daily wellness and culinary uses.

• Consider Your Needs: Choose a lower MGO level for general immune support and a higher level for intensive, specific health concerns like wound healing.

• Factor in Cost: Higher MGO honey is significantly more expensive, so for everyday benefits, a lower-grade is a more economical choice.

• Understand the Certifications: Look for UMF certification alongside MGO for a more comprehensive assurance of authenticity, purity, and potency.

• Preserve Potency: To retain the beneficial compounds, avoid exposing Manuka honey to excessive heat.

• Not Always Oral: High MGO medical-grade Manuka honey is often used topically for wounds, not just for consumption.

What Exactly Is MGO in Honey?

Methylglyoxal, or MGO, is a naturally occurring compound found in genuine Manuka honey, which is native to New Zealand and Australia. Unlike regular honey, whose antibacterial properties come from hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey’s non-peroxide activity is attributed to its high concentration of MGO. This unique antibacterial strength is what makes Manuka honey a prized product in the wellness world.

How is MGO Formed and Measured?

MGO is formed during the honey's maturation process. The nectar of the Manuka flower contains a precursor compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which gradually converts into MGO over time. The amount of MGO in a final product can be influenced by several factors, including the purity of the Manuka nectar source, beekeeping practices, and storage conditions. The MGO number on a jar indicates the minimum amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of honey, with a higher number signaling greater potency. Independent laboratories test and certify MGO levels to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

More MGO for Targeted Therapeutic Use

When is a higher MGO level advantageous? Higher concentrations of MGO offer more robust antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making them ideal for targeted therapeutic applications.

• Wound Healing: Medically graded Manuka honey, which contains high MGO levels, is used in hospitals for its ability to sterilize and promote faster healing of wounds, burns, and ulcers. Its potency helps fight resistant bacterial strains.
• Digestive Health: High-potency Manuka honey is often recommended for more serious digestive issues, such as soothing gastric ulcers or helping to balance gut bacteria.
• Intensive Immune Support: During periods of illness, such as flu season, a higher MGO honey can provide more concentrated immune support.

Lower MGO for Daily Wellness and Culinary Enjoyment

For many consumers, a high MGO level is simply unnecessary. Lower MGO Manuka honey offers benefits without the premium price tag or intense flavor profile.

• General Well-being: Lower grades (e.g., MGO 100+ to 250+) are perfect for a daily wellness routine, providing general immune support and antioxidant benefits.
• Culinary Use: With a milder, sweeter flavor, lower MGO honey is great for everyday use in food and drinks. Drizzle it on toast, stir it into tea, or add it to smoothies.
• Skincare and Minor Irritations: For topical use on minor skin blemishes or irritations like a sore throat, a moderate MGO level can be quite effective.

MGO vs. UMF: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for Manuka honey, you may encounter both MGO and UMF ratings. The two are related but not identical.

Comparison of Honey Grades

Feature	MGO Rating	UMF Certification	What It Means
Measurement	Specifically measures Methylglyoxal (MGO) content in mg/kg.	Measures MGO, plus other key compounds like Leptosperin and DHA.	MGO is a single metric for potency, while UMF is a more comprehensive quality assurance system.
Verification	Can be tested by any lab, though reputable brands use independent testing.	Strictly regulated and certified by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand.	UMF offers greater assurance of authenticity, freshness, and quality, along with potency.
Best For	Consumers focused primarily on antibacterial potency and budget.	Consumers prioritizing verified authenticity, origin, and overall quality.	Choosing between them depends on whether you value a simple potency measure or a full quality assessment.

How to Choose the Right Manuka Honey for You

To determine the best MGO level for your needs, consider your intended use and budget.

1. For daily consumption and general health: Choose a lower to mid-range MGO level (e.g., MGO 100+ to 250+). It provides a good balance of wellness benefits and taste for an affordable price.
2. For targeted support during illness or for minor skin issues: A mid-to-high level (e.g., MGO 300+ to 550+) is a good choice for extra potency.
3. For high-potency therapeutic applications: If you are addressing specific medical concerns like serious wounds or ulcers, opting for the highest MGO level your budget allows may be beneficial. Consult a healthcare professional before using it for serious conditions.

It is also important to note that the potent antibacterial compounds in Manuka honey are best preserved when not subjected to high heat. Therefore, if you add it to tea, wait for the drink to cool slightly before stirring it in.

Conclusion: The Answer is Not a Simple 'Yes'

Is more MGO in honey better? The answer is nuanced. While a higher MGO concentration certainly indicates greater antibacterial potency, it's not always the "better" choice for everyone. For everyday wellness and culinary applications, lower-grade MGO honey offers a delicious and effective option that is easier on the wallet. For serious therapeutic purposes, investing in a higher-grade Manuka honey may be justified by its powerful antibacterial effects. Ultimately, the best MGO level is the one that aligns with your specific health needs, budget, and intended use, ensuring you get the most value out of this unique natural product.

For more detailed research, refer to studies like the Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components by the National Library of Medicine.

Key Takeaways

• MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a compound that gives Manuka honey its potent antibacterial properties.
• Higher MGO levels equal stronger antibacterial effects, but are also more expensive and have a stronger, more medicinal taste.
• Lower MGO grades (e.g., 100+) are suitable for daily wellness and culinary uses, offering a good balance of benefits and flavor.
• Higher MGO grades (e.g., 500+) are reserved for targeted therapeutic uses, such as wound care, digestive support, and intensive immune boosting.
• UMF is a broader certification than MGO, verifying authenticity, purity, and freshness, in addition to potency.
• Consider your health goals and budget before purchasing to find the best MGO grade for your needs.
• Avoid heating Manuka honey excessively to preserve its beneficial compounds and potency.

FAQs

Question: What is a good MGO level for everyday use? Answer: For general wellness, daily immune support, and culinary uses, an MGO level between 100+ and 250+ is generally considered effective and affordable.

Question: Can I use high MGO honey for wound care? Answer: Yes, high MGO Manuka honey (typically 500+ and higher) is known for its intense antibacterial properties and is used for therapeutic wound care. However, it's important to use sterile, medical-grade honey for serious wounds and to consult a healthcare professional.

Question: Does the taste of Manuka honey change with MGO levels? Answer: Yes, higher MGO grades tend to have a richer, more robust, and sometimes slightly medicinal or earthy flavor profile, while lower grades are typically sweeter and milder.

Question: What is the difference between MGO and UMF ratings? Answer: MGO is a rating that measures only the methylglyoxal content, indicating potency. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a more comprehensive certification that tests for MGO, plus other markers of authenticity and quality like DHA and Leptosperin.

Question: Is it safe to give Manuka honey to children? Answer: No, it is not recommended to give any type of honey, including Manuka honey, to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism.

Question: Why is Manuka honey with higher MGO more expensive? Answer: High MGO Manuka honey is rarer and requires more specific harvesting conditions. The intensive testing and certification processes also contribute to the higher price point.

Question: How should I store Manuka honey to preserve its MGO? Answer: Store Manuka honey in a cool, dark place. The MGO content is stable over time when stored correctly, and some levels can even increase with proper aging.

Question: Can consuming Manuka honey help with allergies? Answer: While some people believe local honey can help with allergies, robust scientific evidence is lacking. Manuka honey's main benefits are tied to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, not allergy relief through pollen exposure.

Question: What does it mean if my honey has an MGO rating but not a UMF rating? Answer: An MGO-only rating indicates the honey's methylglyoxal content but does not guarantee the same level of authenticity, freshness, and quality assurance provided by the stricter UMF system.

Question: Can I use Manuka honey for a sore throat? Answer: Yes, many people use Manuka honey to soothe a sore throat. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects can provide relief. A mid-range MGO is often sufficient for this purpose.

Question: Does MGO degrade over time? Answer: The MGO level in Manuka honey is generally stable, especially when stored correctly. In fact, the conversion from DHA to MGO means the potency can increase as the honey ages, though this process is gradual and finite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good MGO level for everyday use?

For general wellness, daily immune support, and culinary uses, an MGO level between 100+ and 250+ is generally considered effective and affordable.

Can I use high MGO honey for wound care?

Yes, high MGO Manuka honey is used for its potent antibacterial effects in therapeutic wound care. For serious wounds, use sterile, medical-grade honey and consult a healthcare professional.

Does the taste of Manuka honey change with MGO levels?

Yes, higher MGO grades tend to have a richer, more robust, and sometimes slightly medicinal or earthy flavor profile, while lower grades are typically sweeter and milder.

What is the difference between MGO and UMF ratings?

MGO is a rating that measures only the methylglyoxal content, indicating potency. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a broader certification that tests for MGO, plus other markers of authenticity and quality like DHA and Leptosperin.

Is it safe to give Manuka honey to children?

No, it is not recommended to give any type of honey, including Manuka honey, to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism.

Why is Manuka honey with higher MGO more expensive?

High MGO Manuka honey is rarer and requires more specific harvesting conditions. The intensive testing and certification processes also contribute to the higher price point.

How should I store Manuka honey to preserve its MGO?

Store Manuka honey in a cool, dark place. The MGO content is stable over time when stored correctly, and the potency can actually increase as the honey ages.

Can consuming Manuka honey help with allergies?

Scientific evidence is lacking to support the claim that Manuka honey helps with allergies through pollen exposure. Its benefits are primarily related to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.