The power of Manuka honey explained: MGO, UMF and antibacterial properties
Le pouvoir du miel de Manuka expliqué : découvrez la signification des indices MGO et UMF, leur rôle dans l’activité antibactérienne et comment choisir un miel authentique et adapté à vos besoins.
Manuka honey is often surrounded by acronyms and numbers that can intrigue consumers: MGO 400, UMF 15+, IAA , etc. What do these indices mean, and what do they actually indicate about the honey's quality and effectiveness? Let's decipher the power of Manuka honey through its scientific rating systems.
MGO: the indicator of antibacterial potency
MGOstands for methylglyoxal . As discussed in the previous article, methylglyoxal is the key molecule responsible for the powerful antibacterial properties of Manuka honey. The number associated with the abbreviation MGO indicates the amount of methylglyoxal present in the honey, expressed in milligrams per kilogram. For example, Manuka honey with an MGO rating of 250+ contains at least 250 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. The higher this number, the more potentially effective the honey is against bacteria.
Entry-level Manuka honeys generally start around MGO 100+ . This level, corresponding to a Manuka honey with moderate antibacterial properties, is ideal for everyday consumption (such as sweetening tea or enhancing breakfast). Moving up the range, an MGO 250+ honey offers a more pronounced effect, often recommended to support the immune system or soothe an occasional sore throat. MGO 400+ and above designates honeys with a very high concentration of methylglyoxal: these are recommended for more targeted uses. For example, an MGO 400/500+ honey can be used topically on a superficial wound to promote healing, or as a short-term treatment during an infection. Finally, honeys of MGO 800+ and above (the rarest and most expensive) are reserved for the most specific needs: support during recalcitrant infections, gastric ulcers with H. pylori , etc., often in connection with medical advice.
UMF: a global quality label
UMFstands for Unique Manuka Factor . It is an official New Zealand certification that assesses the overall effectiveness of Manuka honey. Unlike MGO, which only measures methylglyoxal content, the UMF index takes into account several natural markers of Manuka honey:
MGO , of course.
DHA (dihydroxyacetone, precursor of MGO in nectar),
and leptosperine , a compound unique to the Manuka plant that serves as a marker of authenticity.
The UMF (Unique Microwaveable Honey) value is expressed as a number followed by a +, for example, UMF 10+, UMF 15+, etc. The higher the number, the stronger the antibacterial potency of the honey was judged to be in tests. Here are some general guidelines:
UMF 5+: entry level, Manuka honey with fairly low activity (suitable for recreational use like regular honey).
UMF 10+: intermediate level, ideal for everyday health use (immune system, digestion...).
UMF 15+: high level, reserved for occasional use to benefit from more powerful purifying properties.
UMF 20+: very powerful level, to be used exceptionally given its rarity and intensity (for example, in external application on stubborn skin problems, or in small quantities during particular infections).
Beyond UMF 25+ : we enter the realm of the exceptional; these honeys are extremely concentrated and often used only in research or special situations.
It should be noted that in France, the IAA index ( Antibacterial Activity Index ) is sometimes used, which is equivalent to the UMF. These certifications (UMF/IAA) are issued by independent organizations in New Zealand. A jar bearing the UMF label guarantees that the honey has been laboratory tested and meets strict criteria for authenticity and potency (in particular, that it is pure, unadulterated Manuka honey harvested in a controlled area).
How to convert UMF and MGO?
It's easy to get confused between these two rating systems. Keep in mind that MGO and UMF measure essentially the same thing, but in different ways. While MGO provides a precise measurement of methylglyoxal, UMF gives a general assessment of honey's antibacterial effectiveness. Approximate conversion tables exist. For example:
Manuka honey MGO 100+ corresponds to approximately UMF 5+ .
MGO 250+is approximately equivalent to UMF 10+ .
MGO 400+approximately UMF 13+ .
MGO 800+is close to UMF 20+ .
These equivalencies explain why we sometimes see both mentions on the same jar: some brands proudly indicate MGO 514 / UMF 15+ for example, which means that the honey contains at least 514 mg/kg of methylglyoxal and that its overall effectiveness has been evaluated at the UMF 15 level.
A guarantee of authenticity and transparency
Beyond the technical understanding, why are these indicators important for the consumer? First, because they guarantee authenticity . Genuine Manuka honey is produced almost exclusively in New Zealand (and a few regions of Australia) – making it rare and expensive, which has unfortunately led to fraud (adulterated honey or honey falsely labeled as Manuka ). A jar displaying a UMF label or a certified MGO index ensures that you have a product that has been inspected, tested, and conforms to its stated characteristics. For example, the UMF label is registered by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand, which only grants its certification after rigorous testing and traces the honey from the hive to the jar.
These indices are a practical tool for choosing the right Manuka honey for your needs. If you're a beginner and simply want to discover this honey for its delicious taste and a little wellness boost, a low MGO (100+ or UMF 5) is sufficient. If you're looking to support your immunity during the winter or soothe a sore throat, opt for a medium MGO (250-400, or UMF 10-13). For more specific needs (for example, to help heal a wound or address a particular digestive imbalance), a very high MGO (above 500, typically UMF 15+) will be more suitable.
In short, MGO and UMF are two sides of the same coin : they guarantee the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey and its authenticity. Understanding these indicators allows you to make an informed choice and fully benefit from the virtues of this exceptional honey by selecting the most suitable product for your needs.
