Ever wonder what those numbers on bottles or jars of Mānuka honey really mean? Learn more about the facts and figures behind this specialty honey in these Health Notes by Dr. Liz!

Mānuka honey originates from bees in New Zealand that harvest nectar and other compounds from the flower of the Mānuka tree. This honey has a unique composition of compounds found only in the Mānuka flower. According to recent research studies comparing Mānuka honey to other honey types, Mānuka has more potent antibacterial action and potential anti-inflammatory characteristics thanks to the compounds it contains—MGO (methylgloxal), DHA (dihydroxyacetone), and leptosperin.

Depending upon the levels of each compound (MGO, DHA, and leptosperin) found, rating number systems have been assigned to Mānuka honey produced in New Zealand:

• UMF™: Called UMF™, or Unique Mānuka Factor, and created by the Mānuka Honey Association, the higher the value, the more potent the biological activity of a particular honey. While scientists debate the reliability and application of the UMF™, numbers above 10+ may help with skin care (applied topically) and soothing a sore throat (taken orally) or other inflammation.
• MGO: Another rating number is levels of MGO, the most potent antibacterial compound in Mānuka honey. Measured by milligrams of MGO per kilogram of Mānuka honey, the MGO number appears more prominently on the label and is a higher value than the UMF™ (it’s typically listed alongside UMF™ number). Higher MGO values represent a greater antibacterial action.

Hungry for more? Learn more about the benefits of honey in general in another edition of Health Notes by Dr. Liz: The Sweetest Thing!

Nugget Note: Since Mānuka honey may have benefits beyond just tasting good, you can find them in our Healthy Living Department! Selection may vary by store.