Buyer protection
Contents
Donkey milk is a food – not a medicine and not part of cancer therapy. It can neither replace nor complement chemotherapy, nor does it treat side effects. What can be stated objectively concerns its composition, its origin and the question of how to best clarify nutrition topics during therapy. That is exactly what this post is about.
What this post is about – and what it is not
Anyone undergoing chemotherapy themselves or supporting someone during this time often looks for guidance. This also applies to food and drink. Many promises about donkey milk are circulating on the internet. We deliberately take a different approach.
We describe what donkey milk is as a food. We do not make statements about its effects in the body. Specifically, this means:
- Donkey milk is not a substitute for or a complement to medical treatment.
- We do not recommend changing your diet on your own during therapy.
- We do not publish testimonials. Individual experiences cannot be generalized to other people and can easily create false expectations.
What donkey milk is as a food
Donkey milk comes from donkeys nursing a foal. In addition to the foal's needs, a donkey produces about 1 to 2 liters of milk per day. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. This is why donkey milk is rare and relatively expensive.
The composition varies depending on the animal, feeding, and lactation stage. These values serve as a rough guide:
| Nutritional value per 100 ml | 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. We refer to both here exclusively as ingredients. No effect on humans can be derived from this.
Lactose and milk protein: two important facts
You often read that donkey milk is "light" or suitable for everyone. The objective facts are different. With about 6 to 7 g of lactose per 100 ml, donkey milk contains rather more milk sugar than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g. It also contains milk protein.
Anyone with lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy should therefore consult their doctor beforehand to clarify whether donkey milk is even an option. This is especially true during therapy, as needs and recommendations can change over time.
Why nutrition questions belong in the treatment team
During chemotherapy, appetite, sense of taste, and needs can change. Which foods are suitable then is very individual. That is why every nutrition question – including those about donkey milk – belongs in a conversation with your treating doctor or a qualified nutrition professional. Many oncology centers offer their own nutritional counseling. Ask them specifically about it.
For the conversation, it may be useful to have the following ready:
- the label with ingredients, allergens, and nutritional values as stated on the label,
- the quantity and frequency you are considering,
- the information that donkey milk is delivered frozen and that the instructions on the label must be followed.
Write down your questions before the appointment. This way you won't forget anything during the conversation and will get answers that suit your personal situation.
Whether and in what form milk and dairy products are suitable for you during your therapy is decided by your treatment team – not by a blog post and not by a shop.
What research is interested in donkey milk
Donkey milk is primarily studied scientifically because of its composition – i.e., its protein profile, fat content, and natural ingredients. Such studies describe the food. They are not a basis for statements about the treatment of diseases. You can find a general overview on our page Donkey milk in research.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk a complement to cancer therapy?
No. Donkey milk is a food. Foods do not treat diseases and are not part of a medical therapy. Please discuss any changes to your diet with your treatment team.
Is donkey milk particularly well tolerated?
This cannot be said generally. Donkey milk contains milk protein and, with about 6–7 g per 100 ml, a relatively high amount of lactose. How well you tolerate a food is individual. If in doubt, clarify this with your doctor.
Why don't you publish testimonials on this topic?
Individual experiences say nothing about what a food means for other people. Especially with a serious illness, we do not want to create expectations that a food cannot fulfill.
Where can I get professional nutritional counseling?
Your first point of contact is your treatment team. Many clinics and oncology centers can refer you to qualified nutritional counseling that knows your personal situation.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. For health questions, please contact your doctor.
