Does Manuka Honey Contain Probiotics?
No, Manuka honey does not contain probiotics. According to established definitions, probiotics are specifically defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts 1.
Understanding Probiotics and Manuka Honey
What are Probiotics?
- Probiotics are living yeast or bacteria that have positive health effects when consumed
- Common probiotic species include:
- Lactobacillus (acidophilus, casei, fermentum, gasseri, etc.)
- Bifidobacterium (adolescentis, animalis, bifidum, etc.)
- By definition from the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, probiotics must be live microorganisms 1
What Manuka Honey Contains Instead
Manuka honey's antimicrobial properties come from several components:
- Methylglyoxal
- High phenolic content
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Other unidentified substances from its floral source 2
The antibacterial potency of Manuka honey correlates with its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, which measures these antimicrobial compounds 2.
Why Manuka Honey Cannot Contain Probiotics
Antimicrobial Properties: Manuka honey has significant antibacterial activity that inhibits bacterial growth. Research has shown that concentrations below 11% can completely inhibit the growth of multiple bacterial species 3.
Contradictory Functions: Manuka honey has been demonstrated to inhibit both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria 2. This antimicrobial action is fundamentally incompatible with containing live probiotic bacteria.
Clinical Evidence: Studies testing Manuka honey (UMF 20+) found no changes in gut microbial profiles after consumption, confirming it does not add beneficial bacteria to the digestive system 4.
Health Properties of Manuka Honey
While not containing probiotics, Manuka honey does offer other potential health benefits:
- Strong antibacterial activity, particularly against wound-infecting species 3
- Dose-dependent antibacterial efficacy against oral bacteria 5
- Potent action against cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus 6
Common Misconceptions
It's important to note that the term "probiotic" is often misused in marketing, being applied to products that don't meet the scientific criteria 1. This may contribute to confusion about whether Manuka honey contains probiotics.
The health benefits of Manuka honey come from its antimicrobial compounds rather than from containing beneficial bacteria. In fact, its antibacterial properties would make it an inhospitable environment for maintaining live probiotic cultures.