Anaphylactic shock can occur after consuming honey and can prove fatal without immediate medical intervention, according to Professor Nina Vishnevskaya from the Department of Life Safety at Perm National Research Polytechnic University.
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"Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact cause of the reaction without proper testing and a full medical history is difficult, as the trigger could be the honey itself, one of its components, pollen, or propolis (bee glue)," Vishnevskaya noted.
The professor emphasized that cross-reactive allergic responses can occur in individuals suffering from seasonal pollen allergies. "The body mistakenly perceives a harmless product as a threat, triggering a severe immune response that includes laryngeal swelling and a dangerous drop in blood pressure."
According to Vishnevskaya, contraindications for consuming honey also include hereditary fructose intolerance and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Connoisseurs of honeydew honey, in particular, should exercise heightened caution.
"Honeydew honey should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease, as it can impair potassium excretion, as well as those with acute gastrointestinal disorders. It is also not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under the age of three," Vishnevskaya explained.
While floral honey is not strictly prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women, incorporating it into their diet should only occur after consulting a physician. Individuals managing obesity or diabetes must also carefully monitor their honey consumption. Children under the age of three should avoid honey entirely due to the risk of infant botulism.
"Spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can enter honey through nectar and pollen. While these spores pose no danger to adults or children over three, an infant's underdeveloped digestive tract allows the spores to germinate and produce dangerous toxins," she concluded.
