What is Methylglyoxal (MGO)
Methylglyoxal is the compound in Manuka Honey which is responsible for its unique antibacterial activity. The compound was first recognised in 2008 and has become the standard by which the potency of Manuka Honey is measured. The higher the levels of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial potency is of the Manuka.
The older NPA/UMF standard is still used by some suppliers however this is now based on the level of Methylglyoxal and then converted back based on the table below.
| 5 NPA | 83 MGO | 6 NPA | 113 MGO |
| 7 NPA | 146 MGO | 8 NPA | 182 MGO |
| 9 NPA | 222 MGO | 10 NPA | 263 MGO |
| 11 NPA | 308 MGO | 12 NPA | 356 MGO |
| 13 NPA | 406 MGO | 14 NPA | 459 MGO |
| 15 NPA | 572 MGO |
