What are the negative effects of eating honey?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), honey is unsafe for infants under 12 months old due to the risk of botulism. For adults, understanding the negative effects of eating honey, particularly in large quantities, is crucial for maintaining good health.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of honey can lead to health problems, including blood sugar spikes, weight gain, dental issues, and digestive discomfort. The risk of infant botulism makes honey unsafe for babies under one year of age.

Key Points

Infant Botulism: Do not give honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of a life-threatening illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores.
Weight Gain: Honey is high in calories and sugar, and consuming it in excess can contribute to weight gain over time, just like refined sugar.
Blood Sugar Impact: Although honey has a lower glycemic index than table sugar, it can still cause dangerous blood sugar spikes, especially for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Digestive Issues: High fructose content can lead to bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea, particularly for those with IBS or sensitive digestive systems.
Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible, allergic reactions can be caused by the bee pollen in honey, with symptoms ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.
Dental Health: Like any sugary food, the sticky nature of honey promotes tooth decay by feeding bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids.

Overconsumption and Metabolic Health

While honey is often perceived as a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it remains a concentrated source of sugars and calories. A single tablespoon contains approximately 64 calories. Excessive intake can quickly contribute to a calorie surplus, which may lead to weight gain over time. For individuals managing their weight, monitoring honey intake is essential. A diet high in any type of sugar, including honey, has been linked to potential long-term health issues such as obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Spikes

One of the most significant concerns for regular consumers of honey, especially those with diabetes or insulin resistance, is its effect on blood sugar levels. Honey is primarily composed of glucose and fructose, simple sugars that are readily absorbed by the body. Although it has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, consuming too much can still cause a rapid and dangerous spike in blood sugar. This is particularly critical for diabetics who need to carefully manage their carbohydrate intake. While some studies show minimal impact from controlled, small amounts, large quantities can worsen glucose control over time.

Impact on Digestion

For some individuals, the high fructose content in honey can trigger digestive problems. The body's inability to fully absorb excess fructose can lead to symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gas, and even diarrhea. This is especially true for those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fructose malabsorption, as honey is considered a high-FODMAP food. Reducing or eliminating honey from the diet is often recommended for sensitive individuals who experience these symptoms after consumption.

Specific Risks and Precautions

Infant Botulism: A Serious Danger

The most critical and widely known negative effect of honey is the risk of infant botulism. Honey, both raw and pasteurized, can contain dormant spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. An adult's mature digestive system can handle these spores without issue, but an infant's underdeveloped gut flora cannot. In a baby's intestines, the spores can germinate and produce a potent neurotoxin. Infant botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that attacks the body's nerves, causing symptoms such as:

Constipation
Loss of appetite and poor feeding
Weak, altered cry
Generalized muscle weakness and floppiness
Trouble breathing

For this reason, all health organizations, including the CDC, strongly advise against giving honey to infants under one year of age.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare, some people can have an allergic reaction to honey, often triggered by the bee pollen it contains. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include wheezing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, excessive sweating, or irregular heart rhythms. In the most serious cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Individuals with known allergies to pollen or bee products should be cautious when consuming honey.

Comparison of Honey with Table Sugar


Feature	Honey	Table Sugar (Sucrose)
Composition	Primarily glucose and fructose, with trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.	Composed of glucose and fructose bonded together.
Glycemic Index (GI)	Lower GI (~50) than table sugar, but still impacts blood glucose significantly.	Higher GI (~80), causing faster blood sugar spikes.
Calories	Slightly higher per tablespoon (~64 calories).	Slightly lower per tablespoon (~50 calories).
Nutrients	Contains trace amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.	Lacks vitamins and minerals.
Health Reputation	Often viewed as a "healthier" natural sweetener, but this is often misleading in high amounts.	Widely known as an empty-calorie sweetener.

Conclusion

While honey's reputation as a natural, healthy sweetener is well-earned in moderation, it is not without its risks. The most severe danger is infant botulism, which makes it strictly off-limits for babies under one year old. For adults, the primary concerns stem from overconsumption, which can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, digestive discomfort, and dental issues. Certain individuals, such as those with diabetes or pollen allergies, need to be particularly mindful of their intake. Enjoying honey in moderation is key to reaping any potential benefits while avoiding the notable negative effects associated with its overuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey can contain dormant spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. An infant’s digestive system is not mature enough to prevent these spores from growing and producing a dangerous neurotoxin, which causes infant botulism.

Yes, excessive honey consumption can cause weight gain. It is a concentrated source of sugar and calories, and too much of it can lead to a calorie surplus, just like overconsuming any other sweetener.

Yes, honey affects blood sugar levels. While its glycemic index is slightly lower than table sugar, it is still high in simple carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) and will cause an increase in blood glucose, especially when consumed in large quantities.

While rare, an allergy to honey is possible. The allergens are typically related to the bee pollen or bee proteins present in the honey, and reactions can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis.

Honey's high fructose content can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. This is particularly common in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fructose malabsorption.

For infants, neither raw nor processed honey is safe due to the risk of botulism spores. For adults, raw honey retains more nutrients but can also contain more potential allergens like pollen. Both types should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.

For adults, moderation is key. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar intake, including honey, to no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 for men, though less is better. A specific amount can depend on individual health factors, such as blood sugar control or weight management.