what is mgo in manuka honey

MGO in Manuka honey stands for Methylglyoxal, which is an organic compound responsible for Manuka honeys strong antibacterial properties. The MGO rating on a jar of Manuka honey indicates the content of Methylglyoxal, with higher ratings indicating a higher concentration of this compound in the honey. Manuka honey can have MGO levels up to 100 times that found in other raw honey, making it a superfood with unique health benefits. The MGO rating ranges from MGO 30+ to MGO 1717+, with higher levels indicating more potent honey. Methylglyoxal is produced in Manuka honey by bees during the digestive process, breaking down the nectar from Manuka flowers with enzymes in their stomach. The concentration of MGO in Manuka honey is 100-fold higher than in other honeys, contributing to its medicinal and antibacterial properties. Additionally, some Manuka honey producers use a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating instead of the MGO rating, which incorporates the measurement of MGO levels along with additional testing of authenticity markers of the honey, such as dihydroxyacetone and leptosperin.