Understanding the Risks: What are the side effects of using honey?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While celebrated for its antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, one tablespoon of honey contains roughly 17 grams of sugar. Understanding what are the side effects of using honey is crucial for consuming this natural sweetener safely and in moderation, especially for vulnerable populations and those managing certain health conditions.

Quick Summary

Potential adverse effects of honey include infant botulism in children under one, blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and digestive problems from excessive intake. Rare allergic reactions can occur, and those with certain health conditions should be cautious. Moderation is key for reaping benefits while mitigating risks.

Key Points

Infant Botulism Risk: Honey is unsafe for infants under 12 months due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause a serious and sometimes fatal form of food poisoning.
High Sugar Content: Honey is high in sugar and calories, and excessive intake can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Digestive Issues: The high fructose content in honey can cause bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea in individuals with sensitive digestion or conditions like IBS.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, bee pollen and other components in honey can trigger allergic reactions, with symptoms ranging from hives to severe anaphylaxis.
Dental Decay: As with other sugary foods, honey's high sugar content contributes to the formation of cavities and tooth decay.
Blood Pressure Concerns: Excessive honey consumption may lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) in some people, causing dizziness and fatigue.
Moderation is Key: To minimize risks while enjoying honey's benefits, consumption should be limited, especially for individuals with diabetes, low blood pressure, or pollen allergies.

Infant Botulism: A Serious Risk for the Youngest Consumers

One of the most critical side effects of honey consumption is the risk of infant botulism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities strictly advise against giving honey, even small amounts, to babies under 12 months old. This is because honey can contain spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. While harmless to older children and adults with developed digestive systems, an infant's immature gut flora cannot fight off these spores, allowing them to multiply and produce a dangerous toxin.

Infant botulism is a rare but serious form of food poisoning that can cause severe muscle weakness, breathing problems, a weak cry, and a floppy appearance. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Therefore, avoiding honey is a non-negotiable safety measure for infants, including avoiding processed foods that contain honey.

High Sugar Content and its Metabolic Impact

Despite its natural origins and perceived health halo, honey is primarily composed of sugar, specifically fructose and glucose. As a result, excessive consumption carries similar health risks to consuming table sugar.

Weight Gain

At about 64 calories per tablespoon, honey is calorie-dense. Indulging in large, frequent servings can lead to a calorie surplus over time, contributing to weight gain. While it may offer a few more nutrients than refined sugar, the calorie count still needs to be factored into a daily diet, especially for those managing their weight.

Blood Sugar Spikes

For individuals with diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance, honey can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels. Although its glycemic index (GI) is slightly lower than table sugar, it still contains high levels of carbohydrates that affect blood glucose. While some studies explore honey's effects on glycemic control, they are not conclusive enough to recommend it as a safe sugar substitute for diabetics without strict moderation and monitoring.

Gastrointestinal and Digestive Issues

Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort after consuming honey, especially in large quantities.

Fructose Intolerance and FODMAPs: Honey is rich in fructose, a type of sugar that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine for some people. This can lead to bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, especially for individuals with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or fructose malabsorption. The fermentation of poorly absorbed fructose by gut bacteria can cause significant discomfort.
Other Digestive Concerns: Excessive honey intake has also been linked to potential issues with the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to problems like bloating and constipation in some individuals.

Allergic Reactions

While uncommon, some people can have an allergic reaction to honey. This is typically due to a sensitivity to bee pollen, which is often present in unpasteurized honey. Symptoms can range from mild to severe:

Mild Symptoms: Hives, swelling, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
Severe Symptoms: In rare cases, a serious reaction called anaphylaxis can occur, causing severe breathing difficulties, dizziness, fainting, or irregular heart rhythms. Individuals with known allergies to pollen, celery, or other bee products should approach honey with caution.

Other Potential Concerns

Dental Health

Like any sugary substance, honey promotes tooth decay. The sugars in honey feed bacteria in the mouth, which produce acid that erodes tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Regular and thorough dental hygiene is essential, especially after consuming honey, to minimize this risk.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

Some research suggests that moderate honey intake can support healthy blood pressure. However, excessive consumption may have the opposite effect, potentially leading to low blood pressure (hypotension) in some people. Individuals with naturally low blood pressure should be mindful of their honey intake to avoid symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.

Comparison: Raw Honey vs. Processed Honey


Feature	Raw Honey	Processed Honey
Processing	Unheated, unfiltered, and minimally processed.	Heated and filtered to remove impurities and extend shelf life.
Nutrient Content	Contains more antioxidants, enzymes, and bee pollen.	Filtration and pasteurization can remove or degrade beneficial compounds.
Pollen Content	Higher pollen content, which carries a greater risk for those with pollen allergies.	Lower pollen content, reducing the risk of allergic reaction from pollen.
Botulism Risk	Both raw and processed honey carry a risk of C. botulinum spores for infants.	Risk of C. botulinum spores remains; pasteurization does not reliably eliminate them.
Risk of Additives	Generally pure, assuming it comes from a reputable source.	May sometimes contain added sugars like high-fructose corn syrup.

Conclusion: The Importance of Moderation and Informed Choices

While honey offers certain health benefits when consumed in moderation, it is not a risk-free food. The potential for serious health issues like infant botulism, coupled with the risks associated with high sugar intake for adults, necessitates an informed and cautious approach. For infants under one, honey must be completely avoided. For adults, practicing moderation is essential to balance the nutritional benefits with the risks of weight gain, digestive issues, and blood sugar fluctuations. Anyone with diabetes, allergies, or other pre-existing conditions should consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Ultimately, the key to a healthy relationship with honey, as with any natural sweetener, is to be aware of its potential drawbacks and consume it mindfully.

For more detailed information on food safety during infancy, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Babies under one year old cannot have honey because it may contain Clostridium botulinum spores. Their digestive system is not mature enough to handle these spores, which can produce a toxin causing infant botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness.

Yes, excessive consumption of honey can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. This is often due to its high fructose content, which some people, especially those with IBS, have trouble digesting.

Honey is still a sugar and affects blood sugar levels, although its glycemic index is slightly lower than table sugar. Diabetics should consume it in moderation and monitor their blood glucose levels closely. It is not a significantly healthier alternative to sugar for blood sugar management.

Yes, it is possible to be allergic to honey, though it is rare. This is typically a reaction to bee pollen or other components in the honey. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, wheezing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Yes, eating too much honey can contribute to weight gain. It is a calorie-dense food, and consuming it in excess without adjusting the rest of your diet can lead to a calorie surplus.

From the perspective of infant botulism, both raw and processed honey carry the risk of containing Clostridium botulinum spores. For adults, raw honey may have more antioxidants, but it carries a higher risk of allergic reactions for those sensitive to pollen due to higher pollen content.

Yes, like any sugary food, honey can harm dental health by promoting tooth decay and cavities. The sugars feed bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel.