Does Buffalo Milk Contain Potassium? The Nutritional Breakdown

November 13, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the USDA, a single cup of Indian buffalo milk contains over 430 mg of potassium, a key mineral essential for human health. This vital electrolyte plays a crucial role in maintaining proper nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance, making buffalo milk a valuable dietary source.

Quick Summary

Yes, buffalo milk is a good source of potassium, containing a significant amount of this vital electrolyte. The rich nutritional profile of buffalo milk, including its potassium content, offers several health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health and maintaining proper blood pressure. Nutrient density comparisons show how buffalo milk stacks up against cow's milk.

Key Points

Rich Source of Potassium: A single cup (244 ml) of buffalo milk provides approximately 434 mg of potassium.
Supports Blood Pressure: The high potassium content helps balance sodium and manage blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Enhances Nerve and Muscle Function: As a key electrolyte, potassium is essential for proper nerve signal transmission and muscle contractions, including the heart's rhythm.
Higher Nutritional Density: Compared to cow's milk, buffalo milk offers more protein, fat, and several key minerals, including calcium and phosphorus.
Contributes to Overall Health: Beyond potassium, buffalo milk provides high levels of calcium for bone health and antioxidants for combating oxidative stress.

Yes, Buffalo Milk is a Rich Source of Potassium

Buffalo milk is a noteworthy source of potassium. A single cup (244 ml) provides approximately 434 milligrams of potassium, contributing significantly to the recommended daily intake. This makes it a valuable addition to diets aimed at increasing potassium intake. Potassium, along with other minerals like calcium and magnesium, enhances buffalo milk's overall health benefits.

The Role of Potassium in the Human Body

Potassium is a fundamental mineral and electrolyte vital for numerous bodily functions, including:

Blood Pressure Regulation: It helps balance sodium, aiding in managing blood pressure and reducing risks of heart disease and stroke.
Fluid Balance: Essential for maintaining proper fluid balance inside and outside cells, crucial for normal cellular function.
Nerve Function: Necessary for transmitting nerve signals throughout the body.
Muscle Contractions: Required for muscle function, including the heart's rhythm.

Buffalo Milk vs. Cow Milk: A Nutritional Comparison

Buffalo milk generally offers higher levels of several key nutrients compared to cow milk. Here's a comparison for a 1-cup (244g) serving:


Nutrient	Buffalo Milk (per 244g)	Whole Cow Milk (per 244g)
Potassium	~434 mg	~381 mg*
Calcium	~412 mg (41% DV)	~300 mg (21% DV)
Protein	~9.2 g	~8 g
Total Fat	~16.8 g	~8 g
Energy	~237 kcal	~149 kcal

*Note: Cow's milk potassium levels vary but are typically lower than buffalo milk.

Buffalo milk provides a greater concentration of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus than cow's milk.

Health Implications of Potassium in Buffalo Milk

The higher potassium in buffalo milk offers several health advantages:

Heart Health: Helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Bone Density: Supports bone health when combined with its high calcium content.
Kidney Function: Aids healthy kidneys in filtering waste and managing fluids. Consult a doctor if you have kidney issues.
Muscle and Nerve Support: Vital for muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.

Other Notable Nutrients in Buffalo Milk

Buffalo milk is also rich in other nutrients:

High Protein Content: More protein than cow's milk, good for muscle repair and growth.
Higher Calcium: Excellent for strong bones and teeth.
Lower Cholesterol: Less cholesterol than cow's milk, beneficial for heart health.
Antioxidants: Contains vitamins A and E, which help combat oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Buffalo milk is a significant source of potassium, offering higher amounts than cow's milk. This, combined with its rich profile of calcium, protein, and antioxidants, makes it a nutrient-dense choice with potential benefits for heart health, blood pressure, and bone density. It's a flavorful option to consider for a balanced diet, keeping individual health needs in mind.

For more detailed nutritional data on various milk types, you can explore resources like the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1-cup serving (244 ml) of fluid Indian buffalo milk contains around 434 milligrams of potassium.

Yes, buffalo milk contains more potassium per serving than cow's milk. While both are good sources, buffalo milk offers a higher concentration of this mineral.

Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, maintain proper fluid balance, support nerve function, and enable muscle contractions. These benefits contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

For most healthy individuals, the potassium in buffalo milk is safe and beneficial. However, people with certain medical conditions, especially kidney disease, should consult their doctor to regulate potassium intake.

Nutrient levels can vary slightly based on the animal's diet and environment, but the composition of buffalo milk, including its higher potassium level relative to cow's milk, is consistent across regions.

Yes, buffalo milk is also notably rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are all crucial for bone health and other bodily functions.

Potassium helps lower blood pressure by offsetting the effects of sodium. It encourages the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and helps relax the walls of blood vessels.