Can we drink donkey milk every day? Understanding the daily routine
Historically praised by figures like Hippocrates and Cleopatra, donkey milk is experiencing a revival as a niche health food. Its growing popularity in certain parts of Europe and Asia has led many to question whether it is safe and beneficial for daily consumption. The answer, for most healthy adults, is yes, but with important considerations for sourcing, preparation, and individual health factors.
The unique nutritional profile
Donkey milk’s composition is particularly notable for its high lactose content and low-fat profile, making it similar in several ways to human breast milk. This unique makeup is responsible for many of its touted health benefits, including better digestibility and potential hypoallergenic properties. Compared to cow's milk, donkey milk is significantly lower in total protein, with a different casein-to-whey protein ratio.
Health benefits of regular consumption
Consuming donkey milk daily may offer several health advantages:
- Hypoallergenic properties: For individuals with cow milk protein allergies (CMPA), donkey milk can be a suitable alternative. The primary allergenic protein in cow's milk, alpha-S1-casein, is present in much lower concentrations in donkey milk. Clinical studies have shown that a high percentage of children with CMPA can tolerate donkey milk without adverse reactions.
- Improved digestion: The high ratio of whey protein to casein in donkey milk makes it easier to digest compared to cow's milk, which is casein-dominant. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive digestive systems.
- Immune system support: Donkey milk is rich in bioactive compounds like lysozyme and lactoferrin, which possess antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. These compounds can help protect against certain bacteria and viruses, potentially strengthening the body's natural defenses.
- Rich in vitamins: It is an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, containing up to 60 times more than cow's milk. It also contains vitamins A, D, and E, contributing to overall health and skin vitality.
- Low in fat: With a very low-fat content (around 1%), donkey milk is a low-calorie option, making it suitable for those watching their fat intake.
Potential risks and precautions for daily intake
While beneficial for many, daily donkey milk consumption is not without its risks and requires careful consideration:
- Risk of unpasteurized milk: Much of the donkey milk available is sold raw, which carries a risk of foodborne illness from harmful pathogens like E. coli. Anyone, especially infants, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, should only consume pasteurized donkey milk or heat raw milk to 161°F (72°C) for 15 seconds before drinking.
- High cost and limited availability: Donkeys produce a small amount of milk daily (about 1 liter per jenny), making it a specialty item that is significantly more expensive and harder to find than cow's milk.
- Lactose intolerance: Despite being better tolerated by those with cow milk protein allergies, donkey milk has a high lactose content. Individuals with lactose intolerance will likely experience digestive issues and should avoid it or use a lactase enzyme supplement.
- Nutritional deficiencies: While nutritious, donkey milk is low in fat, and its iron and caloric content are lower than human milk. For infants, in particular, it often requires fortification to meet their complete nutritional needs.
- Regulatory uncertainty: In many regions, the production and distribution of donkey milk are not regulated to the same extent as cow's milk, which can lead to inconsistencies in quality and safety.
How to incorporate donkey milk into a daily diet
For those who have established that it is safe and suitable, donkey milk can be easily integrated into a daily diet:
- Smoothies: Its slightly sweet and mild taste makes it a great base for smoothies with fruits and vegetables.
- Cereal or porridge: Use it as a healthier alternative to cow's milk in your morning cereal or porridge.
- Coffee or tea: Add a dash to your coffee or tea for a creamy texture without the high fat of cow's milk.
- Cooking and baking: Substitute it for cow's milk in various recipes, particularly for desserts and creamy sauces, to add a special touch.
- Drink it plain: Some prefer to drink a small glass of chilled donkey milk on its own, perhaps on an empty stomach, to enjoy its natural taste.
Comparison of donkey, cow, and human milk
| Composition (per 100 mL) | Donkey Milk | Cow Milk | Human Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | ~49 | ~64 | ~70 |
| Fat (g) | ~0.3–1.8 | ~3.5–3.9 | ~3.5–4.0 |
| Protein (g) | ~1.5–1.8 | ~3.1–3.8 | ~0.9–1.7 |
| Lactose (g) | ~5.8–7.4 | ~4.4–4.9 | ~6.3–7.0 |
| Casein:Whey Ratio | Low (~1.2:1) | High (~4.5:1) | Very low (~0.4-0.5:1) |
| Vitamin C (mg/100mL) | ~5.7 | ~2.7 | ~6.0 |
A note on scientific evidence and religious beliefs
While much of the recent interest in donkey milk is driven by anecdotal evidence and modern marketing, some scientific research supports its health claims, particularly regarding its hypoallergenic and immunomodulatory properties. However, more extensive human clinical trials are needed to fully validate its therapeutic potential. It is also important to note that, for some, the consumption of donkey milk may be restricted by religious beliefs, such as within certain Muslim societies where it is not considered halal.
Conclusion
For healthy individuals, consuming donkey milk daily is generally safe, provided it is properly sourced and pasteurized to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses. Its low-fat, highly digestible, and nutrient-rich profile offers benefits, particularly as a cow milk substitute for those with specific protein allergies. However, the high cost, limited availability, and risk of contamination for raw milk are significant factors to consider. Anyone with lactose intolerance or those considering it for infants should exercise caution due to its high lactose content and need for fortification in infant diets. Ultimately, donkey milk can be a valuable addition to a diet when approached with awareness and care.
References
- Healthline - Donkey Milk: Benefits, Uses, and Downsides - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/donkey-milk
- Star Health Insurance - Health Benefits of Donkey Milk - Reasons to Include it in Your Diet - https://www.starhealth.in/health-info/health-benefits-of-donkey-milk/
- ScienceDirect.com - A comprehensive review on donkey milk and its products - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X24000431
- Healthline - Donkey Milk: Benefits, Uses, and Downsides - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/donkey-milk
- Happiest Health - Donkey's milk: Why you shouldn't experiment with your newborn - https://www.happiesthealth.com/articles/parenting/donkeys-milk-for-newborns
- Don Donkey's - How to incorporate donkey milk into everyday recipes - https://dondonkeys.com/en/blogs/eselmilch-ein-kostbares-elixier/wie-man-eselsmilch-in-tagliche-rezepte-integriert
- Frontiers - Is there sufficient evidence to support the health benefits of ... - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1404998/full
