Is buffalo milk inflammatory? An in-depth nutritional investigation

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While buffalo milk accounts for a significant portion of global milk consumption, many are curious about its potential link to inflammation. Emerging research suggests that buffalo milk contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, challenging the notion that all dairy is pro-inflammatory, although individual sensitivities still play a role.

Quick Summary

This article examines the anti-inflammatory potential of buffalo milk, exploring its bioactive compounds, comparing its properties to cow milk, and discussing how individual factors like allergies and intolerances influence its effects.

Key Points

Contains Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Buffalo milk is rich in bioactive compounds like δ-valerobetaine and acetyl-l-carnitine, which have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in studies.
Not Inflammatory for Most People: For the majority of healthy individuals, buffalo milk does not cause a systemic inflammatory response.
Risks for Allergies and Intolerances: Individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy may experience cross-reactivity with buffalo milk, while those with lactose intolerance may have digestive discomfort.
Higher Fat and Protein Content: With higher levels of fat and protein than cow milk, buffalo milk can be harder for some people to digest, a digestive issue often confused with inflammation.
Fermented Products Can Be Beneficial: Fermented dairy products like yogurt made from buffalo milk contain probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and can have anti-inflammatory effects.
Individual Response Varies: The effect of buffalo milk on inflammation is highly individual and depends on personal factors like allergies, intolerances, and overall health.

The complex relationship between dairy and inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural immune response to injury or infection. While acute inflammation is crucial for healing, chronic inflammation can cause damage over time. The connection between dietary dairy and inflammation is complex and widely debated, with some studies suggesting a pro-inflammatory effect and others indicating a neutral or even beneficial one. Research has identified several bioactive components in dairy, such as peptides and certain fatty acids, that may influence inflammatory pathways. For most healthy individuals, dairy is not a cause of inflammation, but for those with specific sensitivities, it can be a trigger. This makes understanding the nuances of different types of milk, like buffalo milk, particularly important.

Anti-inflammatory properties in buffalo milk

Contrary to assumptions that milk may be inflammatory, several studies have identified specific components within buffalo milk that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These bioactive compounds are responsible for some of the health-promoting benefits associated with buffalo milk consumption.

δ-Valerobetaine (δVB): This is a natural metabolite found in ruminant milk, with buffalo milk containing particularly high levels. Studies on endothelial cells exposed to high glucose conditions showed that δVB-enriched buffalo milk extracts significantly decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, and reduced oxidative stress. It accomplishes this by down-regulating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key driver of inflammation.
Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR): Buffalo milk also contains higher concentrations of ALCAR compared to cow milk. Research indicates that ALCAR can inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, reducing the expression of inflammation-related molecules. This suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Buffalo milk is a rich source of CLA, a type of fatty acid known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. This fatty acid has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
High Antioxidant Capacity: Buffalo milk's overall antioxidant capacity, attributed to its mix of vitamins (A and E) and bioactive compounds, is higher than cow milk. This helps to neutralize free radicals, which are key contributors to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Potential inflammatory triggers in buffalo milk

While buffalo milk offers anti-inflammatory benefits for many, certain individuals may experience adverse reactions due to specific components. These triggers are not linked to general inflammation for the majority of the population but are significant for those with particular health conditions.

Lactose intolerance: Buffalo milk generally contains a slightly higher concentration of lactose than cow milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down this milk sugar. When undigested lactose ferments in the gut, it can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which are often confused with an inflammatory response.
Dairy protein allergy: An immune-mediated milk allergy is a true inflammatory response, and people with a cow's milk allergy may also react to buffalo milk due to cross-reactivity. This occurs because the body's antibodies for cow's milk protein may also recognize similar proteins in buffalo milk, triggering an inflammatory immune reaction. This is distinct from a digestive intolerance.
Fat content: Buffalo milk is significantly higher in fat than cow milk, which is often a consideration for those managing fat intake or weight. While saturated fats are sometimes thought to be pro-inflammatory, a direct inflammatory link for most people is unclear, though they may worsen pre-existing inflammation. For those concerned with fat intake, options like low-fat buffalo milk are available.

Buffalo milk vs. cow milk: a comparison of inflammatory potential

Here is a comparison of buffalo milk and cow milk focusing on factors related to inflammation and digestion:


Feature	Buffalo Milk	Cow Milk
Anti-inflammatory properties	Contains higher levels of anti-inflammatory compounds like δ-valerobetaine, ALCAR, and CLA.	Contains some bioactive compounds, but levels of specific anti-inflammatory agents like δVB are lower.
Allergenic potential	Casein composition is similar to cow's milk, and cross-reactivity is possible for individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy.	Casein and whey proteins are known allergens. Cross-reactivity with buffalo milk can occur.
Lactose content	Slightly higher lactose than cow milk, which is a concern for those with lactose intolerance.	Lower lactose content than buffalo milk. Options are also available with added lactase for intolerance.
Fat content	Higher fat content, with more saturated fat. This can influence overall dietary intake but isn't necessarily inflammatory for most.	Lower fat and saturated fat content, which is often preferred for those on lower-fat diets.
Digestion	Higher protein and larger fat globules can make it harder to digest for some individuals.	Smaller fat globules generally make it easier to digest for most individuals.

Conclusion

For the majority of healthy individuals, buffalo milk is not inflammatory. In fact, due to its unique composition of bioactive compounds, including δ-valerobetaine and conjugated linoleic acid, research suggests it has notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the inflammatory potential of buffalo milk is largely dependent on an individual's personal health profile. People with a confirmed milk protein allergy should be cautious due to potential cross-reactivity with cow milk proteins. Similarly, individuals with lactose intolerance may experience digestive symptoms due to the higher lactose content, though this is not a systemic inflammatory response. Fermented buffalo dairy products like yogurt and cheese, which contain probiotics, may offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits related to gut health. As with any dietary change, paying attention to your body's response is key, and those with underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional. While research continues to evolve, the current consensus is that buffalo milk is a nutritious option that is generally not considered inflammatory.

For further reading, consult authoritative sources on dairy nutrition, such as information from the U.S. Dairy Council or international research reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy individuals, buffalo milk is not inflammatory. It contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, though those with specific allergies or intolerances may react negatively.

No, individuals with a cow's milk allergy should not consume buffalo milk. Research indicates a high rate of cross-reactivity between the proteins in cow and buffalo milk, triggering similar allergic reactions.

Buffalo milk is not suitable for lactose intolerance. It contains a similar, or even slightly higher, amount of lactose compared to cow milk, which can cause digestive issues for those who lack the lactase enzyme.

Compounds like δ-valerobetaine and acetyl-l-carnitine in buffalo milk help fight inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and down-regulating inflammatory signals within the body.

For individuals with autoimmune conditions, the advice on dairy consumption varies. It is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist for personalized guidance, as dairy proteins could potentially trigger an immune response.

Fermented buffalo milk products like yogurt and cheese, which contain probiotics, can support a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut is linked to reduced overall inflammation, making fermented dairy a potentially beneficial option.

Some people find buffalo milk harder to digest due to its higher protein content and larger fat globules compared to cow milk. This can cause digestive discomfort, particularly for those with sensitive digestive systems.