Naturopathic Physician Questions Honey

Is honey safe for kids?

I have been reading a lot of articles that say that honey is not good for kids and that it can lead to infections. Is it true?

12 Answers

For kiddos under 1 year of age, no honey. After that, they are more likely to have a mature enough immune system to protect from potential botulism. That information is widely accepted and respected, in both conventional and alternative medical communities. Beyond that, I am unsure I am aware of major risks that you potentially are feeling concern. Consuming any sort of raw foods, including honey, can come with risk. And, consuming any high sugar content foods, including honey, can come with risk. Honey, however, has many therapeutic qualities to it, and is used as an ingredient in many herbal medicines. If using honey, source from reliable and respectable sources, use in moderation, and never in children under the age of 1 year old.
It is advised that infants less than one year old not consume raw honey because it may contain Clostridium botulinum spores. If these are ingested, it can lead to infant botulism, which is likely why you are seeing warnings about honey. Children older than this should be able to consume raw honey safely.
HONEY SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF ONE. AS FAR AS INFECTIONS HONEY IS ACTUALLY ANTIBACTERIAL.
This is a concern if honey is raw. If honey is pasteurized, it has gone through the process of killing some (not all) pathogens that can cause infections. We are most concerned about botulism, which comes from a bacteria that can be found in raw honey. Infants do not have a developed immune system so it is best to air on the side of caution. A child's immune system develops with age and becomes stronger so honey can be safe for older children. Always consult your child's pediatrician. They know your child's health best.
Hello!

Children under 1 year old should not have honey as some honey can have traces of clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that in infants can be harmful. It can make toxins in baby’s gut which cause lethargy/weakness, digestive problems, weak breathing or weak crying, and poor suckling. In rare cases it can be lethal. This condition is called “infant botulism” which again is not common, but is possible. However, in kids over 1 year old and adults, their gut flora (good bacterial we need to help digest and absorb nutrients and support a healthy immune system - aka the “microbiome”) is developed enough that these traces of botulinum don’t do anything. The microbiome takes care of them for us so we don’t get sick when exposed to trace amounts. So, it’s perfectly fine for kids over 1 year old to eat honey. Outside of infant botulism, honey doesn’t cause infection, it can cure infections! For hundreds of years and in many cultures, including our modern western society, honey has been used topically to fight infections! In fact, many pharmacies have Manuka honey strips or topicals in the first aid next to neosporin and other topical anti-bacterial products!!
Over 2 years old. Not under 2 years old due to Spores.
Honey is completely safe and a good source of natural sugars (as opposed to artificial sweeteners) in children over 1 year of age. The infections you are most likely reading about occur when an infants gut bacteria are too immature and consuming honey then causes a botulinum toxicity.
It should not be given to children under 3 years of age.
After the age of 1 year, local, raw honey is best. All things with prudence and thanksgiving.
Honey is unsafe for children, giving honey to children can increase the chances of infant botulism. Honey can be contaminated with spore forming bacteria in which small children do not have the appropriate intestinal flora to fight against it. It is advised not to give honey to children less than 1 year of age, while infant botulism can occur over the age of 1, it is rare. I advise you to use caution or speak with a your pediatrician in regards to what age you can start giving your child honey.
Honey is safe for children. Most honey that is available in stores has been pasteurized.
Infant Botulism is often associated with the consumption of honey. Parents are advised to not feed honey to infants until their intestinal flora is well developed to inhibit the germination of C. Botulinum endospores, which is usually about 1 year. Infants especially under 6 months are susceptible. Do not feed infants honey.