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Donkey milk has a long history in Europe, and it is being scientifically studied today – also in connection with cow’s milk allergy. Both are interesting, but neither replaces a medical decision. Neither ancient traditions nor studies on its composition make donkey milk a solution for cow’s milk allergy. In this article, we objectively present the history and research.
Donkey milk in tradition
Donkey milk is mentioned in texts from antiquity. According to tradition, Hippocrates is said to have dealt with it, and it is also mentioned in the writings of Pliny the Elder. It is also well known for the story that Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk.
Such traditions show one thing above all: donkey milk was a valued and rare commodity for many centuries. However, they say nothing about what donkey milk can do according to today’s knowledge. Ideas about nutrition and the body were completely different back then than they are today.
Donkey milk in later centuries
There are also reports from later centuries that donkey milk was drunk in Europe – partly for children as well, when other options were lacking. That was a time when there was no specially formulated infant food.
This historical practice is not a recommendation for today. For babies, the rule is clear: donkey milk is no substitute for breast milk or infant food. When it comes to feeding children, especially those with known allergies, the pediatrician is the right person to consult.
What research is investigating today
Donkey milk is being scientifically studied primarily because of its composition. A common topic is its protein profile: scientific literature describes that casein and whey proteins are present in donkey milk in a different ratio than in cow’s milk. Natural components such as lysozyme and lactoferrin are also frequently mentioned.
It is important to understand what such studies do – and what they do not:
- They describe what is in the milk.
- They are not a free pass to feed a child with cow’s milk allergy donkey milk on your own.
- They do not change the fact that donkey milk contains milk protein and that people can react to it.
We deliberately refrain from quoting individual studies with results. You can find an objective overview of how donkey milk is studied on our page Donkey milk in research.
Donkey milk at a glance
| Characteristic | Donkey milk per 100 ml (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g, usually under 1 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
Regarding lactose: donkey milk contains more milk sugar than cow’s milk, with around 4.7 g per 100 ml. Cow’s milk allergy and lactose intolerance are, by the way, two different things: allergy concerns milk proteins, while intolerance concerns milk sugar.
Why donkey milk is so rare
The fact that donkey milk was considered something special from an early stage also has practical reasons. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day – in addition to the milk for its foal. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. Little has changed in this regard to this day, which is why donkey milk is rare and comparatively expensive.
How to evaluate sources on donkey milk
Anyone researching donkey milk and cow’s milk allergy will find a mixture of history, research, and advertising. These questions help you sort through the information:
- Is it about composition or a promise? Information about ingredients is different from statements about effects on the body.
- Who is speaking? A tradition from antiquity is not evidence according to today’s understanding.
- Who does the statement apply to? What group was studied cannot simply be applied to you or your child.
When in doubt: questions about nutrition in the case of an allergy belong in the doctor’s or pediatrician’s office.
Frequently asked questions
Was donkey milk used for children in the past?
It is reported that donkey milk was also given to children in Europe in the past when there was no infant food. This is not a recommendation for today. Donkey milk is no substitute for breast milk or infant food.
Is donkey milk an alternative for cow’s milk allergy?
This cannot be said generally. Donkey milk contains milk protein. Only a doctor can assess whether it is an option.
What does science investigate about donkey milk?
Primarily its composition, such as the ratio of protein components as well as ingredients like lysozyme and lactoferrin.
Did Cleopatra really bathe in donkey milk?
That is how it is traditionally told. Whether it really happened exactly like that cannot be said with certainty.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please contact your doctor.
