Manuka Honey & Pregnancy

According to the Active Manuka Honey Foundation site, honey has been a key ingredient in medicinal aids for many centuries. However, manuka honey didn't gain worldwide recognition in the medical field until its antibacterial properties were scientifically confirmed. While there are many health benefits associated with manuka honey, both as a natural sweetener and as a topical treatment, science has yet to support its safety and effectiveness on pregnant women. Consult with your medical provider before ingesting manuka honey.

Background Information

Manuka honey is indigenous to New Zealand and is made by bees which frequent the manuka bush, otherwise known as the tea tree bush. The scientific name for the plant species is Leptospermum scoparium. This information is significant for consumers because there exists another bush, the Australian jellybush, or the leptospermum polygalifolium, which also produces honey with an equivalent antibacterial power. The Australian jellybush is also a relative of the tea tree from which medicinal oil is extracted. Manuka honey is available raw or in the form of a topical treatment, which may be used to treat skin irritation.

UMF Value

According to Peter Molan, M.B.E., Associate Professor in Biochemistry at the University of Waikato, manuka honey contains a UMF, or Unique Manuka Factor, which refers to the honey's non-peroxide antibacterial properties. Gordon Cameron, M.D., reports that the antibacterial strength of manuka honey ranges from a UMF value of 5 to a UMF value of 20. The UMF value is equivalent to the percentage of antiseptic solution contained within the honey. For instance, honey with a UMF value of 10 would contain the equivalent of a 10 percent antiseptic solution. Dr. Cameron also states that honey with a UMF value of 10 is recommended for general health and proper digestion. Manuka honey with UMF values of between 10 and 15 may help soothe minor gastrointestinal irritation, such as indigestion or constipation, while those with a UMF value of 20 may help treat more severe medical complications.

Medicinal Properties

Based on the research conducted by Molan, manuka honey has been found to alleviate the symptoms associated with certain medical conditions, such as stomach ulcers. Manuka honey soothes stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of helicobacter pylori bacteria while maintaining a healthy supply of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a type of harmful bacteria which medical professionals believe to be the main cause behind stomach ulcers. The 2008 First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health also presents research that concludes that honey may stabilize blood-glucose levels, support a healthy immune system and reduce production of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Considerations

While ample research supports manuka honey as a nutritional supplement, little research exists as to whether or not it is safe for pregnant women either to ingest manuka honey or use its oil as a skin aid. The December 2000 edition of "Phytotherapy Research" published a study in which manuka oil had a spasmolytic effect on animal muscle tissue, which prevented muscle contraction. This result should serve as a warning to expecting mothers, as the cessation of contractions may have harmful implications for both the mother and the baby. On the other hand, manufacturers of manuka honey, such as Honeymark, uphold the claim that ingestion of manuka honey is safe for pregnant or nursing women. Consult with your health care provider before utilizing manuka honey during pregnancy.