What does MGO in manuka honey do?

“MGO is still regarded as the major antimicrobial constituent [in manuka honey] and various manuka honey grading schemes for commercially sold honey are based in large part on MGO concentrations.”

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– Antibacterial activity of varying UMF™-graded manuka honeys.

Methylglyoxal’s antibacterial properties have been proven to inhibit harmful bacteria in the body:

“High MGO levels in manuka honey are the main source of antibacterial activity. Antibacterial MGO causes alterations in the structure of bacterial fimbriae and flagella [their “legs”, or means by which they move] which would limit bacteria adherence and motility.”

– How methylglyoxal kills bacteria: an ultrastructural study.

As a naturally occurring compound with these valuable antibacterial properties, scientists have studied the medical application of MGO in the hopes that it will prove a useful tool in the fight against the antibacterial-resistance crisis⁷.

Their positive findings have led to manuka honey being used to treat serious infections like MRSA⁸:

“Manuka honey is broad in spectrum, able to inhibit a diverse range of bacterial and yeast pathogens, and equally effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

It is used in modern wound-care formulations and has been shown to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from wounds. Methylglyoxal was identified as the dominant active antibacterial component of manuka honey.”

– Effect of methylglyoxal on multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

So manuka honey as a delicious food is just the tip of the sticky sweet iceberg.

There are so many exciting ways it can be used to boost health and wellness, and even heal some of the most dangerous wounds.

Here are some of our other articles that go into depth about how manuka honey, thanks to its MGO content, can be used in treating and managing health conditions:

  • Burns

  • Wounds

  • Scars

  • Acne

  • Eczema

  • Diabetes

  • Stomach issues

  • Allergies

  • Pregnancy

  • Fungal infections

What is a good level of MGO in manuka honey?

The best manuka honey to buy with the right amount of MGO for you all depends on what you want from your honey.

Are you looking to buy manuka honey for a daily wellness boost to support your general wellbeing? Or perhaps a powerful ingredient to promote skin care and skin health?

If so, the lower MGO ratings will be great for you:

  • UMF™ 5+ | MGO 83+

  • UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+

Do you have a specific, but relatively minor condition you’d like to manage with the help of natural manuka honey? Or perhaps you’d like more health benefits from your daily wellness boost?

For these purposes, the mid-range MGO ratings are better for you:

Do you have a more serious condition you’d like to treat*, or would you just like the maximum wellness punch from natural honey?

In these instances, it’s best to opt for the highest MGO ratings with maximum antibacterial effects:

  • UMF™ 24+ | MGO 1122+

  • UMF™ 26+ | MGO 1282+

  • UMF™ 28+ | MGO 1450+

*Remember, always consult your doctor before using anything for medical purposes, even a natural product like our manuka honey.

Still unsure what’s right for you?

We’ve created a quiz to help you figure out which grade of manuka honey is right for you.

Take it here.

But wait – there’s one vital thing to know before you choose the right manuka honey for you.

MGO content is not regulated.

So if you’re looking for certified and authentic manuka honey from New Zealand, make sure you look for a UMF™ grade too.

Here’s why.

Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003