Who Should Avoid Manuka Honey? A Nutritional Diet Guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, infants younger than 12 months should never be given honey, including Manuka honey, due to the risk of infant botulism. Understanding who should avoid Manuka honey is crucial for making safe dietary choices and preventing serious health complications.

Quick Summary

Certain individuals, including infants, people with diabetes, and those with bee or pollen allergies, should avoid consuming Manuka honey due to potential health risks. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential for anyone with pre-existing conditions before use.

Key Points

Infants under 1 year: Never give honey, including Manuka, to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism from Clostridium botulinum spores.
Diabetics: Manuka honey's high sugar content can affect blood sugar levels, requiring strict monitoring and medical consultation before use.
Bee or pollen allergy sufferers: Avoid Manuka honey to prevent potentially severe allergic reactions from residual bee-related allergens.
Chemotherapy patients: A potential interaction with certain chemotherapy drugs necessitates consulting an oncologist before consuming Manuka honey.
Compromised immune systems: Individuals with weakened immunity should speak with a doctor before consuming raw honey products, including Manuka.
Moderate consumption: Even for healthy adults, Manuka honey should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar and calorie content.
Medical consultation is key: Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.

Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) tree in New Zealand and Australia, is celebrated for its unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed mainly to the compound methylglyoxal (MGO). While it offers numerous potential health benefits for many, it is not safe for everyone. Certain individuals and groups must avoid this natural product to prevent adverse health effects.

Key Groups Who Should Avoid Manuka Honey

Infants Under One Year Old

This is the most critical and non-negotiable warning. Infants under 12 months old should never be given any type of honey, including Manuka. The reason is the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum spores, which can be found in honey. An infant’s immature digestive system is not developed enough to safely process these spores, allowing them to germinate and produce a dangerous toxin. Adults and older children have mature digestive systems that can handle these spores without issue. However, even cooking or baking with honey does not eliminate the risk, as the spores are resistant to heat. The risk of botulism is why all health organizations recommend avoiding honey for this age group.

Individuals with Diabetes

Manuka honey contains high levels of natural sugar, which can significantly affect blood glucose levels. While some studies suggest it may have a slightly lower glycemic index than regular table sugar and potential benefits for insulin sensitivity, the high sugar content is still a major consideration for those with diabetes. Excessive consumption can cause blood sugar spikes and complicate diabetes management. Any individual with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, should consult their doctor or dietitian before incorporating Manuka honey into their diet. If approved, they must monitor their intake carefully and consume it in moderation.

People with Bee or Pollen Allergies

As with all bee products, Manuka honey can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to bees or pollen. While raw honey can be filtered to remove pollen, trace amounts often remain, which can be enough to cause a reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild, such as itching and swelling, to severe, like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. Those with a known allergy to bee stings or pollen should be extremely cautious and consult a healthcare professional before use.

Chemotherapy Patients

Some sources indicate a potential interaction between Manuka honey and certain chemotherapy drugs. The mechanisms are not fully understood, but it is believed that some compounds in honey could interfere with the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should always discuss any dietary supplements, including Manuka honey, with their oncologist to ensure it does not negatively impact their treatment plan.

People with Compromised Immune Systems

Individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or autoimmune disorders, should consult with their doctor before consuming raw honey. While the botulism spores are typically harmless to healthy adults, the risk may be elevated in individuals with severely weakened immunity. A healthcare provider can determine if the benefits outweigh the minimal risks in these specific cases.

Manuka Honey vs. Regular Honey: Safety and Sugar Comparison


Feature	Manuka Honey	Regular Honey	Why It Matters
Antibacterial Potency	High due to MGO; often graded with UMF™ or MGO ratings.	Lower, primarily from hydrogen peroxide, which is less stable.	Higher potency may be linked to certain medicinal uses, but this does not negate safety concerns for at-risk groups.
Botulism Risk	Contains C. botulinum spores; unsafe for infants under 12 months.	Contains C. botulinum spores; unsafe for infants under 12 months.	All types of honey pose a botulism risk for infants.
Allergy Risk	Possible allergic reaction for those with bee/pollen allergies.	Possible allergic reaction for those with bee/pollen allergies.	All honey carries a risk for individuals with known bee or pollen allergies.
Sugar Content	High; primarily fructose and glucose.	High; primarily fructose and glucose.	Both types of honey affect blood sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially by diabetics.
Medicinal Use	Medical-grade versions are used for wound care.	Non-medical grade. Not suitable for wound care without professional guidance.	Only sterile, medical-grade Manuka should be applied to wounds.

Important Considerations for Manuka Honey Consumption

Always Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before adding Manuka honey to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, cancer, or a compromised immune system, it is essential to consult a doctor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history.
Monitor Portion Sizes: For healthy adults, consuming Manuka honey in moderation is key due to its high calorie and sugar content. Excessive intake can contribute to weight gain and dental issues. A teaspoon or two a day is a common recommendation.
Check Authenticity and Grade: The potency and safety of Manuka honey can vary. Always purchase from a reputable source and look for products with a certified UMF™ or MGO rating to ensure quality and authenticity. For specific medical purposes, use only medical-grade honey under professional supervision.
Differentiate Topical vs. Internal Use: Remember that some of the health benefits of Manuka honey, such as wound healing, apply to sterile, medical-grade products used topically, not to regular Manuka honey intended for consumption.
Consider Alternative Sweeteners: If you fall into one of the risk groups, there are many safe alternatives for sweetening food and beverages, such as monk fruit or stevia, that do not carry the same risks.

Conclusion

While Manuka honey offers intriguing health properties, it is not a universally safe remedy. Infants, diabetics, and those with bee or pollen allergies must exercise extreme caution or avoid it entirely due to documented risks like botulism, blood sugar complications, and allergic reactions. Furthermore, chemotherapy patients should seek professional medical advice before use. Ultimately, for any dietary supplement, the best approach is an informed one, guided by your healthcare provider, to ensure your nutritional choices support your health without causing harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka honey is dangerous for infants under 12 months because it can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which their immature digestive systems cannot neutralize, leading to the risk of infant botulism.

People with diabetes should exercise caution and consult a doctor before consuming Manuka honey due to its high natural sugar content, which can affect blood glucose levels. Moderation and close monitoring are essential.

If you have a bee or pollen allergy, consuming Manuka honey can trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

No, cooking Manuka honey does not eliminate the risk of infant botulism. The Clostridium botulinum spores are highly resistant to heat, so heat-treating honey does not make it safe for infants under one year of age.

While medical-grade Manuka honey is used for wound care, diabetics should consult their doctor before using it, especially on chronic wounds. There is some debate about whether MGO can be toxic to living cells when used alone, and a medical professional can provide the best guidance.

Yes, Manuka honey may interact with certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs. It is critical to discuss all dietary supplements with your healthcare provider to avoid any potential interference with your treatment.

Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult with their doctor before consuming raw honey. While generally safe for healthy adults, the spores in raw honey could pose an elevated risk for those with severely weakened immunity.

While some people believe honey helps with seasonal allergies, research on this is mixed, and the theory often doesn't apply to Manuka honey. The allergens that cause hay fever often come from wind-pollinated plants, not the flowers bees visit. Always consult a doctor if you have severe or specific allergies.