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Manuka honey: what it is, its health benefits, the importance of MGO and how to choose it
Manuka honey is one of the most expensive and most advertised types of honey in the world, but most buyers don't know exactly what they're paying for and whether the price is justified. Mysterious numbers such as MGO 100+, 400+ or UMF 15+ appear on the jars, and the market is full of fakes with volumes several times higher than New Zealand's real production.
What really makes this honey unique, what are the benefits confirmed by scientific studies, and where does the exaggerated marketing begin? Answers on the meaning of MGO and UMF numbers, ways to identify real manuka honey, proper consumption and fair comparison with quality Lithuanian honey products.
What is manuka honey and how does it differ from regular honey?
Manuka honey is a monofloral honey produced from the New Zealand manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) nectar. From other types of honey is distinguished by its naturally high methylglyoxal (MGO) concentration, giving a stronger antibacterial effect.
Manuka bushes grow in a limited area in New Zealand and parts of Australia. The flowering season lasts only 2-6 weeks a year and the bees have a very short time to collect nectar. It is this natural limitation that leads to the low supply and high price of the product.
How does this matter in practice? Ordinary honey gets its antibacterial properties from hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down quickly when exposed to light or heat. Manuka honey MGO acts independently of hydrogen peroxide and retains its antibacterial activity for much longer, even under changing conditions.
Health benefits of Manuka honey: what does the research say?
The strongest scientific evidence relates to local use of manuka honey, especially in wound care. The benefits of oral administration, although widely promoted, are still under investigation and definitive clinical findings are lacking.
Antibacterial properties and topical application to wounds
In hospitals and clinics, manuka honey is used for the care of chronic wounds, including those with antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. MGO acts independently of hydrogen peroxide, so the antibacterial effect is maintained even after prolonged contact with the wound surface.
Medical manuka honey, sterilised with gamma radiation, is a separate product from that available in grocery stores. It is designed specifically for wound dressings and meets strict hygiene standards.
Topical use on the skin, for example for acne or minor scratches, is also popular at home. However, for more severe skin lesions, edible honey is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Digestive system, immunity and other beneficial effects
Laboratory studies have shown that manuka honey MGO inhibits Helicobacter pylori a bacterium associated with stomach ulcers and gastritis. Clinical trials in humans are not yet sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the treatment of the digestive system.
Manuka honey also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support the immune system. Other high-quality natural honeys, including Lithuanian linden and buckwheat honey, have similar properties.
Are the benefits of oral intake really so special? Many nutritionists believe that the effects of manuka honey when consumed as a food are overblown by marketing. The real and scientifically proven benefits are most pronounced for topical use and not for daily consumption.
Side effects and contraindications
Manuka honey, like all honey, is high glycaemic index a product with a high sugar content. For diabetics, its use should be coordinated with a doctor as even small amounts can affect blood glucose levels.
Any honey is contraindicated in infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum sporos.
There are no strict prohibitions for pregnant women, but medical advice is recommended. In addition, allergic reactions are possible, especially in people with sensitivity to bee products. Symptoms may include itching, swelling or digestive problems.
MGO and UMF: what do the numbers on the manuka honey label mean?
MGO shows the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. The higher the number on the label, the stronger the antibacterial activity, as higher levels of the active ingredient have a direct effect on bacteria.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a more comprehensive standard administered by the New Zealand UMF Honey Association. It assesses not only MGO content but also DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and leptosperine levels, giving a more reliable reflection of the overall quality and authenticity of the honey.
Practical guidelines for making choices based on MGO level:
- MGO 100+ Suitable for daily use and for maintaining general health.
- MGO 250+ provides a moderate antibacterial effect.
- MGO 400+ and above is recommended for specific applications such as skin problems or wound care.
A higher number does not necessarily mean a proportionately better effect. Studies show that the difference between MGO 400 and MGO 800 is not double in practice, so buying the most expensive option is often not worthwhile.
How do you recognise real manuka honey and why is it so expensive?
Several times more products labelled „manuka honey” are sold worldwide than New Zealand actually produces in a year. Authenticity verification before purchase is essential.
Look for these signs on the label before buying:
- UMF certificate with a specific licence number.
- MGO marking, indicating the exact concentration of methylglyoxal.
- Country of origin: New Zealand.
- Manufacturer's name and batch number.
If any of these elements are missing, the authenticity of the product should be questioned.
Why does manuka honey cost so much?
Manuka shrubs grow only in a limited area and flower only a few weeks a year. This short window means that beekeepers have to act quickly and apiaries often have to be transported by helicopter to remote mountain areas.
Compulsory for each batch of honey UMF and MGO testing, which adds to production costs. In Lithuania, a jar of lower MGO level costs from around €20, while high MGO level products cost €100-200.
A marketing mark-up is also part of the price. Consumers openly discuss that the pricing of manuka honey is not always proportionate to its effects, so it is worth assessing whether the highest level of MGO is really needed before choosing the most expensive option.
How can I use manuka honey to prevent it from losing its properties?
Higher than 40 °C depletes MGO and other beneficial substances, so manuka honey should not be mixed with hot water or boiling tea. It is best to take a teaspoon on an empty stomach or add it to lukewarm tea that has already cooled.
For topical use, a thin layer of honey is applied to the problem area and left on for 15-20 minutes as a mask. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
Store in a dark, dry place, at room temperature, in a tightly sealed jar. Properly stored, manuka honey retains its qualities for a very long time because the naturally low moisture content and high sugar concentration inhibit micro-organisms.
Manuka honey or Lithuanian honey: is it worth paying too much?
For everyday consumption, quality Lithuanian honey is a perfectly adequate and considerably cheaper choice. All natural honeys have antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to enzymes and hydrogen peroxide, which are present in any raw honey.
The benefits of Manuka honey are apparent in specific situations. The impact of MGOs particularly relevant for topical use: skin problems, chronic wounds, acne care. This is where regular honey cannot match the antibacterial intensity of manuka honey.
But is it really necessary to pay €50-200 for a jar to sweeten your daily tea?
If the aim is to maintain daily health, boost immunity and provide a natural sweetener, Lithuanian types of honey performs this function perfectly. Manuka honey only makes sense when you need targeted antibacterial help for skin or wounds.
Frequently asked questions about manuka honey
What do the MGO numbers on the manuka honey label mean?
MGO indicates methylglyoxal in mg/kg. MGO 100+ is suitable for daily use, 250+ provides a moderate antibacterial effect and 400+ and above is for more intensive use. A higher number does not mean a proportionally better effect.
Can manuka honey be used by diabetics?
Manuka honey is high in sugar and has a high glycaemic index, so diabetics need to consult their doctor before consuming it.
How to recognise real manuka honey?
On the label, look for the UMF certificate with the licence number, the MGO designation and the country of origin (New Zealand). Reliable manufacturer's information and batch number also indicate an authentic product.
Is manuka honey suitable for children and pregnant women?
Any honey is contraindicated for babies under 12 months due to the risk of botulism. For older children, manuka honey can be used in moderation, but pregnant women are advised to consult their doctor beforehand.
Can Lithuanian honey be as useful as manuka?
Yes. All natural honeys have antibacterial and antioxidant properties, so quality Lithuanian honey is an excellent and significantly cheaper alternative for everyday health. Manuka honey is superior only for specific uses due to its high MGO concentration.
Although manuka honey has unique properties, you don't have to look to exotic places on the other side of the world for everyday health. „Brolių medus offers natural honey, hand-picked by beekeepers in Lithuania and awarded seven times, which is perfect for tea, baked goods and boosting the immune system. Start with what's closest and discover natural Lithuanian honey flavours.
If you're looking for a more creative way to incorporate the benefits of honey into your or your children's diets, try fruit juice and honey gummi bears „Brothers Bears”, which won the gold medal at the exhibition „Choose a Lithuanian Product 2022". Sometimes the best health solutions are born right here in Lithuania.