Is medical grade honey safe for babies?

Understanding the Safety of Medical-Grade Honey for Babies
When it comes to the safety of honey for infants, particularly medical-grade honey, the consensus among health professionals is clear: honey should not be given to babies under one year old. This caution stems primarily from the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by the bacteria *Clostridium botulinum*, which can be found in honey.
The Risks of Honey for Infants
Infants have immature digestive systems and underdeveloped immune responses, making them particularly vulnerable to the spores of *Clostridium botulinum*. When ingested, these spores can germinate in the intestines and produce toxins that lead to botulism. Symptoms can manifest anywhere from three to thirty days after exposure, with early signs often including constipation, lethargy, and weakness.
Health organizations, including UCLA Health, strongly advise against giving honey to children younger than one year. They emphasize that the risk of botulism is significant enough to warrant this precaution. Even a small amount of honey can pose a risk, which is why many parents are encouraged to wait until their child reaches the age of one before introducing honey into their diet.
Medical-Grade Honey: A Different Context
While the general advice is to avoid honey for infants, medical-grade honey, such as MediHoney, is often used in clinical settings for wound care and other therapeutic purposes. This type of honey is processed to ensure it is free from harmful bacteria and is considered safe for use in adults and breastfeeding mothers. In fact, some manufacturers of medical-grade honey specifically state that it is safe for breastfeeding moms, provided they take precautions like cleansing the nipple after nursing.
However, the safety of medical-grade honey for infants remains untested and is not recommended. The processing that makes medical-grade honey safe for adults does not necessarily eliminate the risk of botulism for infants. Therefore, even if a honey product is labeled as “medical-grade,” it is prudent to avoid giving it to babies under one year old.
Conclusion
In summary, the safest approach is to refrain from giving any type of honey, including medical-grade honey, to infants under 12 months. Parents should be aware of the risks associated with honey consumption in this age group and should consult healthcare professionals if they have any concerns or questions about introducing honey into their child’s diet. As children grow and their digestive systems mature, they can safely enjoy honey, but until then, caution is the best policy.

How rare is infant botulism?

Prevalence is unknown. So far, at least 3,350 cases of infant botulism have been reported worldwide, except in Africa, and it is the most frequently occurring form of botulism in the USA and Argentina. The disease affects infants between one and 52 weeks of age.

What is the difference between honey and medical-grade honey?

Unlike the honey that Grandma used, medical-grade honey is a sterile product that has been formulated and processed for safety and efficacy and is less likely to cause an immune system reaction. The specific type of honey matters, too.

When should you not use MediHoney?

• Why some patients experience a temporary stinging sensation?
• MediHoney®has a low pH of 3.5-4.5.
• When should I NOT use MediHoney®?
• • On third degree burns.
• component parts specific to each dressing (please see package insert for more information).
• • To control heavy bleeding.
• MediHoney–
• PATIENT.

Is there such a thing as medical-grade Manuka honey?

The observations of Manuka honey’s potent activity led to the development of medical-grade honey, which now has a variety of uses within a clinical setting.

Can I use MediHoney on my baby?

There are multiple scientific studies that have demonstrated that MediHoney is safe and effective for the treatment of wounds in neonates, infants, and children up to age 18 10-13. In one of the largest published studies, 121 wounds were treated with MediHoney on 115 neonatal and pediatric patients.

What honey is safe for babies?

Unlike some raw foods, raw honey is considered safe to eat for children over 12 months old. Raw honey is the least processed type of honey and probably has the most nutrients. Honey’s flavor and color change depending on the type of plants that bees used to make it.

Is pasteurized honey safe from botulism?

Pasteurization does not kill C. botulinum, so both pasteurized and unpasteurized honey must be avoided. Can I give my older child honey? After 12 months of age, a healthy child’s tummy is mature enough that they can have honey without causing harm.

Is medical-grade honey pasteurized?

Medical-Grade Honey for Healing
This raw honey undergoes gamma irradiation, filtration, and testing while retaining its essential compounds. The process eliminates the risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination without subjecting the honey to heat or pasteurization.

Is Medi honey real honey?

Medihoney is a mixture of two honeys derived from Australia and New Zealand containing glucose oxidase and Leptospermum compounds which contribute to its antibacterial activity. Medihoney™ is licensed for wound care in Australia, Europe and the USA.

Is topical honey safe for babies?

To be safe, avoid honey before the first birthday due the risk of infant botulism. Honey is associated with infant botulism, a rare but serious condition.