Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk has appeared in folklore since antiquity, often associated with grand promises. Objectively speaking, donkey milk is today a food and a cosmetic ingredient. It is not a medicine and does not treat illnesses. In this article, we clarify what is passed down in folklore, what can be said about its composition, and where the limits lie.
What folklore tells
Donkey milk has a long history. According to folklore, even the Greek physician Hippocrates is said to have studied donkey milk. Cleopatra is also said to have bathed in donkey milk. In later centuries, donkey milk was traded as a valuable and expensive food in parts of Europe.
Such stories are culturally fascinating. They show how highly people have valued donkey milk over a long period of time. However, they are not evidence of an effect in the modern sense. Many pieces of folklore were only written down centuries later, embellished, or retold.
What "alternative medicine" means here
The term encompasses very different approaches: traditional home remedies, regional customs, and modern trends. Donkey milk is frequently mentioned in this context. However, this does not mean that it affects certain ailments.
Clear rules apply to food in the EU. Statements about an effect on illnesses are not permitted for food products. There is a good reason for this: Anyone with health problems needs a medical assessment, not promises from advertising.
What donkey milk is as a food
Regardless of all the stories, the composition of donkey milk can be described objectively. Per 100 ml, it contains approximately:
| Nutritional value | Donkey milk (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (mostly under 1 g) |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
Donkey milk also naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. Both are components that are frequently mentioned in research. However, no effect on humans can be inferred from their presence in the milk. You can find more about the composition in the article Donkey Milk: Ingredients and Nutritional Values.
What research investigates
Donkey milk is primarily studied scientifically because of its composition. Researchers are interested, for example, in the ratio of proteins, the fat content, and the lactose content compared to other types of milk. We provide an overview of topics and questions on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Important for classification: Studies on composition are not evidence that donkey milk affects ailments. Anyone reading studies should distinguish carefully between whether the milk itself is being studied or whether effects in humans are being claimed.
Donkey milk in cosmetics
In cosmetics, donkey milk is used as a nourishing ingredient, for example in creams, lotions, and soaps. Here, the focus is on cosmetic properties: skincare products with donkey milk moisturize and make the skin supple. For skin problems, a dermatologist is the right person to consult.
If you have health questions
Nutrition is an important part of everyday life. However, for existing illnesses, it should be left in the hands of medical professionals or discussed with a nutrition specialist. Do not replace a medically recommended treatment with food. Especially for children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please discuss nutritional questions with your doctor beforehand.
How to recognize reliable information
You will find many texts about donkey milk on the internet. Not all of them are objective. These questions can help you evaluate them:
- Is an effect promised? Food products may not be advertised as treatments for illnesses. Such promises are a warning sign.
- Are sources cited? Check whether a study examines the milk itself or claims effects in humans.
- Are personal testimonials used as evidence? Individual experiences say little about what a food generally does.
- Is a medical assessment recommended? Reliable texts refer people with health problems to doctors.
This way, you can better distinguish between stories and facts and see donkey milk for what it is: a rare food with a long history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donkey milk a medicine?
No. Donkey milk is a food. Food products do not treat illnesses.
Can people with a milk protein allergy drink donkey milk?
Donkey milk contains milk protein. Anyone with a milk protein allergy should consult a doctor beforehand to clarify whether donkey milk is an option.
Does donkey milk contain less lactose than cow's milk?
No. With approximately 6–7 g per 100 ml, donkey milk contains rather more lactose than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g. This is important to know if you are lactose intolerant.
Where does donkey milk's reputation come from?
Primarily from historical folklore and its rarity. A donkey produces only about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the milk for its foal.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please consult your doctor.
