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Big time donkey power5/28/2023 ![]() ![]() Still, if you have a known allergy, check with your healthcare provider before trying donkey milk. Swapping donkey milk allowed for regular weight and height gains ( 13). That can be a plus for anyone who’s allergic to cow’s milk but may benefit from the protein and other nutrients that dairy milk provides.Īn Italian study in 81 children with an allergy to cow’s milk found that all were able to drink donkey milk with no negative reaction. Given its significantly lower casein content, many people with a cow’s milk protein allergy can tolerate donkey milk, as they find that donkey milk doesn’t cause an allergic response ( 12). In particular, it has gained a lot of attention as an allergen-friendly and immune-boosting food.Ĭompared with the protein in cow’s milk, which has about five times more casein than whey, the protein in donkey milk has roughly equal parts casein and whey ( 12). The protein in donkey milk is largely whey, which has compounds that can help prevent the growth of some bacteria and viruses.įans of donkey milk often drink it for its health benefits, which go beyond its nutritional content. SUMMARYĭonkey milk is low in fat and rich in carbs. In lab studies, it prevents the spread of bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus ( 1, 3, 12). It contains compounds that can prevent the growth of viruses and bacteria ( 1, 3, 12). The whey protein in donkey milk is notable for its antimicrobial properties. Donkey milk is similar to human breast milk in that it’s low in casein and higher in whey ( 12). Casein is the protein most people with an allergy to cow’s milk react to. Most of the protein in dairy milk comes from casein and whey. It’s somewhat hard to find unless you live near a donkey farm, but you can purchase powdered donkey milk from some manufacturers. SUMMARYĪlthough it might seem like a new trend, people have been drinking donkey milk for thousands of years. In Italy, where it’s especially popular, donkey milk is used in some infant formulas and as a medical food ( 4, 7). It’s more widely available as freeze-dried powdered milk and an ingredient in some European-imported chocolate bars. Some larger farms may sell pasteurized donkey milk ( 5, 6). In the United States, federal law prohibits the transportation of raw milk across state lines. ![]() Raw donkey milk is usually sold at farms where donkeys are raised. Thus, the milk is somewhat hard to find and considered a specialty item ( 1, 4, 5). Each produces only about 4 cups (1 liter) of milk per day. However, most farms are small with 5–30 milking jennies. In fact, it was first used in the 19th century to feed orphaned infants ( 3).ĭonkey farming is becoming more popular. It has antimicrobial properties and is used as a folk medicine treatment for infections, including whooping cough, as well as viruses in parts of Africa and India ( 2).Ĭompared with milk from other dairy animals like cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, and camels, donkey milk most closely resembles human breast milk. Cleopatra is said to have maintained her soft, smooth skin with donkey milk baths ( 2). Hippocrates reportedly used it as a treatment for arthritis, coughs, and wounds. Various breeds of domesticated donkeys live all over the world, and like many other mammals, female donkeys, known as jennies, have been raised for thousands of years for their milk ( 1).ĭonkey milk has a long history of medicinal and cosmetic uses. Donkeys belong to the Equidae family, which also includes horses and zebras. ![]()
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