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Many parents look for donkey milk because they have read that it is good for children's immune systems or growth. This cannot be stated as a matter of fact: donkey milk is a food, and no health claims are approved for it. What can be described is its composition – and why children's nutrition should be left to medical professionals when it comes to health questions.
What is circulating about donkey milk and children
Many statements about donkey milk, immune defenses, and growth can be found on the internet. Such wording sounds convincing, but is not substantiated for donkey milk within the meaning of food law. In the EU, health claims about food may only be made if they have been expressly approved. There is no such approval for donkey milk.
We have therefore revised our earlier texts on this topic. Instead of promises, you will find a sober assessment here.
What donkey milk is as a food
Donkey milk is the milk of female donkeys. In addition to providing for her foal, a female donkey produces only about 1–2 liters of milk per day. This is why donkey milk is rare and comparatively expensive. Per 100 ml, it contains approximately:
- Energy: around 35–45 kcal
- Fat: about 0.3–1.8 g, mostly under 1 g
- Protein: about 1.5–1.9 g
- Lactose: about 6–7 g
- Calcium: about 60–90 mg
Donkey milk naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. These proteins occur in milk and are frequently mentioned in the literature in connection with the composition of donkey milk. However, no statement about a child's immune system can be derived from this. We mention them exclusively as ingredients.
Immune system and growth: Why a food does not determine it alone
How a child develops depends on many factors: from the overall diet throughout the day, to exercise, sleep, predisposition, and much more. A single food does not specifically change this overall picture. This applies to donkey milk just as much as to any other food.
Foods do not treat illnesses, nor do they prevent them. If you are concerned about your child's immune defenses, growth, or development, the pediatrician is the right person to contact. There, you can also clarify whether a specific diet makes sense.
Lactose and milk protein viewed objectively
A common misunderstanding: donkey milk is automatically an alternative in the case of milk intolerance. This is not true.
- Donkey milk contains milk protein.
- Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, which is more milk sugar than cow's milk (about 4.7 g).
- In the case of a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, it should be clarified by a doctor whether donkey milk is an option.
You can read more about the differences in the article Which milk contains how much lactose?
Infants, toddlers, and older children
Donkey milk is no substitute for breast milk or infant formula. We do not recommend it for infants. Infants need breast milk or infant formula whose composition is precisely tailored to their age.
For toddlers and older children: speak with the pediatrician before offering donkey milk. This is especially important if your child has a known intolerance or allergy or is under medical treatment.
What research is investigating
Donkey milk is primarily investigated scientifically because of its composition – i.e., because of its proteins, fats, and milk sugar. You can find an overview of what this research is about on our page Donkey milk and research. This overview is information and not evidence of effects in children.
Anyone interested in the ingredients in more detail will find details in the article Ingredients and nutritional values of donkey milk.
Frequently asked questions
Is donkey milk good for children's immune systems?
No substantiated statement can be made about this. No health claims are approved for donkey milk. If you have questions about your child's immune defenses, contact the pediatrician.
Does donkey milk promote growth?
A child's growth depends on many factors, not on a single food. Donkey milk provides nutrients like other foods do – no special influence on growth is substantiated.
From what age can children drink donkey milk?
For infants, donkey milk is no substitute for breast milk or infant formula. For older children, it is best to clarify this beforehand with the pediatrician.
What do lysozyme and lactoferrin mean?
These are proteins that are naturally contained in donkey milk. We mention them as part of the composition, not as a promise of an effect.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. For health questions, please contact your doctor.
