Donkey milk as an alternative for cow's milk allergies and developmental disorders

In recent years, research has increasingly confirmed that donkey milk is a valuable alternative for children and infants with cow's milk allergies and other nutritional intolerances. According to the study "Mare's and donkey's milk for allergies and developmental disorders in infants and young children" by Rainer Schubert and other researchers, donkey milk offers a number of health benefits that make it a safe and well-tolerated choice, especially for sensitive or allergy-prone young children . Here we summarize some of the most important study results.

Why donkey milk is a good alternative for cow's milk allergy

Cow's milk allergies affect around 3% of all infants and young children and are often accompanied by intolerance to soy proteins. In these cases, the only option is often to avoid the substances that trigger the allergy. However, donkey milk has a very low allergenic potential because its protein composition is closer to that of human milk and is therefore better tolerated. The study shows that children with an intolerance to cow's milk, goat's milk and soy proteins often respond well to donkey milk and their development can continue to proceed normally.

Clinical studies: improvement in symptoms and physical development

Schubert and colleagues report on several clinical studies that prove the effectiveness and safety of donkey milk. A study with children aged 12 to 149 months shows that 83% of children with a cow's milk allergy accepted donkey milk well and tolerated it without any problems. Symptoms such as skin irritations and stomach problems subsided and the children showed a significant improvement in their physical development. In a long-term study with 26 children who suffered from a cow's milk allergy and atopic dermatitis, donkey milk also proved to be a safe and effective alternative - goat's milk, on the other hand, was not.

Similarity to breast milk: Better tolerance and immune defense

Another argument in favor of donkey milk is its similarity to human milk, particularly in terms of the proportion of whey proteins and important immune substances. Schubert and colleagues emphasize that donkey milk contains valuable substances such as immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin and lysozyme, which play a central role in the infant's immune system. These substances also promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and thus support the immune system. The fatty acids contained in donkey milk, particularly cholesterol and arachidonic acid, are important for brain development and are often missing in commercially available infant formula.

Who is donkey milk suitable for?

The study highlights that donkey milk can be a valuable supplement for children and infants with cow's milk allergies and soy intolerances. However, there are limitations: if you are lactose intolerant, donkey milk is not suitable either, as it contains lactose. It is also important that donkey milk is usually not pasteurized, which preserves its natural character and is good for the immune system.

In summary, donkey milk offers a safe, well-tolerated and natural alternative to conventional dairy products for allergies and developmental disorders in childhood. For many families whose children are affected by intolerances, donkey milk can be a solution to ensure a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.