Honey not safe for everyone, expert warns of potentially fatal risks

Professor Nina Vishnevskaya from the Department of Life Safety at Perm Technical University has warned that consuming honey can, in some cases, cause anaphylactic shock—a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.

Vishnevskaya explained that accurately identifying the cause of an allergic reaction requires medical tests and a review of the individual's medical history, as honey itself or one of its components could be responsible for the response.

She added that a severe immune reaction may lead to throat swelling and a sharp drop in blood pressure, making rapid medical intervention essential.

She noted that certain health conditions require people to avoid honey or consume it with caution, including hereditary fructose intolerance and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome.

Vishnevskaya also advised caution when consuming honeydew honey, stating it is not recommended for people with kidney disease due to its potential effect on potassium excretion, as well as for those with acute gastrointestinal diseases.

She added that honeydew honey should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and by children under three years old. In contrast, there are no general restrictions on flower honey for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but it is best to consult a doctor before adding it to the diet.

She also advised people with obesity and diabetes to monitor their honey intake due to its sugar content.

Vishnevskaya emphasized that honey should not be given to children under three, as it carries a risk of botulism. She explained that spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can enter honey through nectar and pollen.

She clarified that these spores are generally not dangerous for adults and older children, but the digestive systems of young children are not fully developed, which may allow the spores to grow and produce the toxins that cause botulism.