Donkey Milk Myths Fact-Checked: What’s True and What’s Not

Contents

1. Myth 1: "Donkey milk is a shield for the...
2. Myth 2: "Donkey milk is low in lactose"
3. Myth 3: "Donkey milk is hypoallergenic and suitable for...
4. Myth 4: "Donkey milk is rich in omega-3 fatty...
5. Myth 5: "Donkey milk is a substitute for breast...
6. Myth 6: "A multi-day donkey milk cure revitalizes the...
7. Myth 7: "What has been used since antiquity must...
8. What is really true
9. How to check claims yourself
10. Frequently Asked Questions

There are many claims about donkey milk: that it is a "shield" for the immune system, low in lactose, suitable for people with allergies, or a substitute for dietary supplements. Many of these do not stand up to objective scrutiny. In this fact check, we examine the most common myths and show you what can really be said about donkey milk.

Myth 1: "Donkey milk is a shield for the immune system"

Fact: There is no approved health claim for donkey milk regarding the immune system. In the EU, such claims may only be used for food if they have been scientifically proven and officially approved. Images such as a "shield" are therefore not only unsupported but also prohibited for food products.

What is true is that donkey milk naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin. This describes its composition. No statement about the immune system can be derived from this.

Myth 2: "Donkey milk is low in lactose"

Fact: The opposite is true. Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml. Cow's milk contains around 4.7 g. Donkey milk therefore contains more milk sugar. This also explains its slightly sweet taste.

Anyone with lactose intolerance should therefore consult a doctor before consuming it to find out whether donkey milk is suitable.

Myth 3: "Donkey milk is hypoallergenic and suitable for people with allergies"

Fact: Donkey milk contains milk protein. It is not permitted to make a blanket statement that it is suitable for people with a milk protein allergy or particularly well tolerated. If you have an allergy or intolerance, please consult your doctor before consuming it. You can always find the ingredients and allergens on the label.

Myth 4: "Donkey milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids"

Fact: Donkey milk is very low in fat. It contains between about 0.3 and 1.8 g of fat per 100 ml, usually less than 1 g. Even if some of this consists of unsaturated fatty acids, the amount in a typical serving remains small. Donkey milk is therefore not a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Myth 5: "Donkey milk is a substitute for breast milk"

Fact: Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for babies. For children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please speak to your pediatrician or doctor beforehand.

Myth 6: "A multi-day donkey milk cure revitalizes the body"

Fact: Donkey milk is a food, not a medicinal product. There is no proven amount or duration after which a specific effect occurs. You can enjoy donkey milk whenever and however you like—as part of a varied diet.

Myth 7: "What has been used since antiquity must have proven itself"

Fact: Donkey milk has a long history. According to legend, Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk, and Hippocrates is also frequently mentioned in connection with donkey milk. Such stories are part of cultural history. However, they do not prove any effect, as they have never been tested by today's standards.

What is really true

After so many myths, here are the facts you can rely on:

Statement	Is it true?
Donkey milk is rare.	Yes. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to what its foal drinks.
Donkey milk is low in fat.	Yes. Usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml.
Donkey milk tastes slightly sweet.	Yes. This is due to the milk sugar content of about 6–7 g per 100 ml.
Donkey milk contains calcium.	Yes. About 60–90 mg per 100 ml.
Donkey milk replaces medical treatment.	No. Food does not treat illnesses.

How to check claims yourself

If you come across new claims about donkey milk, look out for warning signs: Is an improvement in symptoms promised? Are individual customer testimonials cited as evidence? Are laboratory findings directly extrapolated to humans? Then you should be cautious. Reliable information describes the composition and recommends consulting a doctor if you have any symptoms.

Donkey milk is primarily studied scientifically for its composition. You can find an overview on our page Donkey Milk in Research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there so many myths about donkey milk?

Donkey milk is rare and has a long history. Legends often surround rare products, which over time become believed to be facts.

Does donkey milk contain less lactose than cow's milk?

No. With about 6–7 g per 100 ml, it contains more lactose than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g.

Can donkey milk be advertised with claims about the immune system?

No. There is no approved claim for donkey milk regarding this.

Is donkey milk suitable for babies?

Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for babies.

Donkey milk is a food, not a medicine. If you have any health-related questions, please consult your doctor.