What Are the Side Effects of MGO Honey? A Comprehensive Guide

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Methylglyoxal (MGO), the key compound in MGO honey, is responsible for its potent antibacterial properties, yet it also presents potential health risks, as identified in various studies. While generally safe for most healthy adults, MGO honey can cause adverse reactions in certain individuals and should be used with caution.

Quick Summary

A potent type of honey, MGO honey carries potential risks that include high blood sugar for diabetics, allergic reactions for those sensitive to bee products, and the severe danger of infant botulism for babies under one. It may also interact with certain medications and cause digestive issues if consumed in excess.

Key Points

Infant Botulism: Honey, including MGO honey, poses a risk of infant botulism and should never be given to children under 12 months old.
Blood Sugar: Due to its natural sugar content, MGO honey can affect blood sugar levels, requiring caution for individuals with diabetes.
Allergic Reactions: People with allergies to honey or bee products may experience adverse reactions and should avoid MGO honey.
Drug Interactions: MGO honey may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes drugs; medical advice is recommended.
Moderate Consumption: While generally safe for most healthy adults, MGO honey should be consumed in moderation to avoid digestive issues or excessive sugar intake.
High-MGO Concerns: Some studies link high levels of MGO to potential vascular damage, though this is primarily based on concentrated forms and not typical dietary intake.
Consult a Doctor: It is always wise to consult a healthcare provider before adding MGO honey to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication.

Understanding MGO Honey

MGO honey, famously including Manuka honey, is known for its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), which provides strong antibacterial effects. While MGO is natural, its high levels in this type of honey mean potential side effects should be considered, especially for vulnerable groups and with high intake.

Who Should Avoid MGO Honey?

While most healthy adults can safely consume MGO honey, certain groups should be careful or avoid it:

Infants Under One Year Old: All honey, including MGO honey, should not be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. This is caused by Clostridium botulinum spores found in honey that can harm an infant's underdeveloped gut.
Individuals with Diabetes: MGO honey's high sugar content can increase blood sugar levels. Diabetics should consult a doctor before use and closely monitor their sugar levels. While it might have a slightly lower glycemic index than regular sugar, moderation is still necessary.
People with Honey or Bee Allergies: If you are allergic to honey or other bee products, avoid MGO honey. Reactions can range from mild skin issues to more serious problems like difficulty breathing or dizziness. A pollen allergy can also indicate sensitivity to honey made from that pollen.

Common Side Effects of MGO Honey

These are some common issues reported with MGO honey, particularly with excessive consumption.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations

High sugar content means consuming too much MGO honey can cause blood sugar spikes. This is particularly important for diabetics but also relevant for anyone watching their sugar intake. Even with a potentially lower glycemic impact, caution and moderation are advised.

Allergic Reactions

For sensitive individuals, MGO honey can trigger an allergic response. Symptoms may include:

Itching, hives, or rashes on the skin
Swelling, especially around the face or lips
Upset stomach or cramps
Rarely, severe reactions like anaphylaxis

Digestive Issues

Eating large amounts of MGO honey might cause digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, or stomach cramps in some people. It's best to start with small amounts to gauge your tolerance.

Potential Drug Interactions

MGO honey could interact with certain medications. Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking prescription drugs. Possible interactions include:

Blood Thinners: MGO honey may have blood-thinning properties that could enhance the effects of medications like Warfarin, raising the risk of bleeding.
Diabetes Medications: Due to its effect on blood sugar, MGO honey may necessitate dosage adjustments for those on diabetes medication.
Chemotherapy: Some reports suggest possible interactions with chemotherapy drugs, though more research is required.

MGO Honey vs. Regular Honey: A Comparison of Side Effects


Feature	Regular Honey	MGO Honey	Notes
Infant Botulism Risk	Yes	Yes	All honey carries this risk for infants under 1 year.
Allergy Risk	Yes	Yes	Similar risk for those with honey or bee product allergies.
High Sugar Content	Yes	Yes	Both are high in sugar, MGO honey may have a slightly lower glycemic index.
Impact on Diabetes	Potential blood sugar increase	Potential blood sugar increase	Both require moderation and medical consultation for diabetics.
Drug Interactions	Potential interactions	Potential interactions	MGO honey may interact with specific drugs like warfarin.
Special Caution for Dosage	Less likely to cause issues with overconsumption	Higher potency requires more care with dosage to avoid side effects.

Is MGO Honey a Risk for Endothelial Dysfunction?

Some studies suggest high MGO levels might negatively affect vascular health by promoting insulin resistance. This concern mainly relates to concentrated MGO rather than the levels found in MGO honey when consumed as food. The body metabolizes ingested MGO honey differently than direct MGO exposure. However, long-term, high consumption might contribute to AGE accumulation, which is linked to some diseases. It's important to note these studies often use high MGO concentrations in laboratory settings, not typical dietary amounts. Research is ongoing, and a clear link between moderate MGO honey intake and these diseases in humans is not established. For further research on MGO's properties, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29575121/).

Conclusion: Safe Use and Caution

When consumed in moderation, MGO honey is generally safe and potentially beneficial for most healthy adults. Key side effects to be aware of include possible allergic reactions and blood sugar increases, especially for diabetics. The serious risk of infant botulism means honey must never be given to babies under one. If you are in an at-risk group or on medication, consult a healthcare provider before using MGO honey. While studies have explored the negative effects of high, isolated MGO, moderate dietary intake is usually well-tolerated. Informed and cautious consumption, particularly for vulnerable individuals, is the best approach to safely enjoying MGO honey.

Additional Considerations for Specific Groups

For Pregnant Women

Moderate intake of pasteurized honey is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Botulism spores typically do not cross the placenta, so the risk to the baby is low. However, those with gestational diabetes should be particularly careful due to the sugar content.

For Topical Use

Medical-grade MGO honey is used in clinical wound and burn care due to its antibacterial properties. However, using non-medical grade raw honey on open wounds at home is not advised due to potential contamination risks. Distinguish between sterile medical products and standard food honey.

For Oral Health

Some research indicates MGO honey may benefit oral health by reducing plaque and gingivitis. Nevertheless, its high sugar content means excessive consumption can still contribute to dental decay, similar to other sugary foods. Good dental hygiene is still necessary.

Ultimately, understanding potential risks and practicing caution, especially for vulnerable populations, are key to safely experiencing the benefits of MGO honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, MGO honey, like all types of honey, is not safe for infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness.

Diabetics should consult a healthcare professional before consuming MGO honey. While it may have a lower glycemic index than table sugar, its high sugar content can still affect blood sugar levels, and moderation is crucial.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to MGO honey can include swelling, hives, rashes, and itching. More severe symptoms like wheezing can also occur, though they are less common.

Yes, MGO honey can potentially interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (like Warfarin) and diabetes drugs. It is important to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions.

For most pregnant women, consuming pasteurized MGO honey in moderation is considered safe. However, women with gestational diabetes should be cautious due to the high sugar content and monitor their levels. Always consult a doctor.

Yes, consuming large amounts of any honey, including MGO honey, can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea in some individuals.

Medical-grade, sterile MGO honey is used in clinical wound care settings. However, you should never apply regular, store-bought MGO honey to an open wound at home, as it is not sterile and could contain contaminants.