The expert warned: “Feeding honey to babies under one year old can lead to paralysis.”

Child Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Serdal Güngör emphasized the risk of poisoning from honey given to infants under the age of 1, stating that it can lead to serious problems such as muscle weakness and paralysis.

Prof. Dr. Serdal Güngör, who works at Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex, drew attention to “Infant Botulism,” commonly known as food poisoning from honey in infants under the age of 1. Prof. Dr. Güngör provided information about the disease and explained treatment methods.

“Can cause muscle weakness and paralysis”

Addressing the issues that the disease can cause, Prof. Dr. Serdal Güngör stated, “Infant Botulism is a rare but serious disease that primarily affects children under the age of 1, especially in the first 6 months. It arises from the ingestion of spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Infants do not have a protective bacterial flora or bile acids that inhibit clostridium in their gastrointestinal system. The bacterial spores are extremely resilient to environmental conditions. The neurotoxin produced in the intestines by these spores blocks communication between nerve cells, leading to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Infant Botulism can typically occur as a result of honey consumption or contact with bacterial spores found in soil.”

“Can result in respiratory failure and death”

Prof. Dr. Güngör emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, stating, “The symptoms of Infant Botulism usually appear 12-36 hours after toxin intake. Symptoms such as muscle weakness (floppy baby syndrome), drooping eyelids, decreased tear and saliva production, expressionless face, weak sucking reflex and gagging, hypoactivity, constipation and intestinal inactivity, weak crying, and respiratory difficulty can rapidly progress to respiratory failure and death. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease and the rapid initiation of treatment are vital.”

“Do not dip pacifiers in honey”

Speaking about important steps to prevent Infant Botulism, Prof. Dr. Güngör said, “Honey should not be given to infants under 1 year old, and contact with soil should be avoided. The most common mistake made by families is dipping pacifiers in honey and giving them to babies. Additionally, proper food hygiene and storage methods play a critical role in reducing contamination of spores. Infant Botulism is a disease that can be successfully managed with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, but it can lead to serious complications. Increasing awareness of this disease in infants and taking preventive measures play a key role in reducing mortality and morbidity.”