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Donkey milk is a food and not a remedy for menopausal symptoms. Like any other food, it can be part of your diet during this phase of life – nothing more can be said with any credibility. In this post, we explain what donkey milk is, what its nutritional values are, and why questions about symptoms should be addressed to a doctor.
What donkey milk is as a food
Donkey milk is the milk of donkeys. It has been drunk for centuries and is considered a special food today mainly because of its rarity. A donkey gives only about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to what her foal drinks. It is milked by hand or in small quantities. This is why donkey milk is rare and relatively expensive.
Important for classification: Donkey milk is a perfectly normal food in the legal sense. It is not a medicine, not a dietary supplement, and not a substitute for medical treatment. This applies regardless of which phase of life you drink it in.
Nutritional values at a glance
If you want to know what is in donkey milk, the average values will help you. They vary depending on the animal, feeding, and season. The information on the label is always binding for a specific product.
| Per 100 ml (approx.) | Donkey milk |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The lactose content is striking: With around 6–7 g per 100 ml, donkey milk contains rather more milk sugar than cow's milk with about 4.7 g. The fat content, on the other hand, is usually low. Donkey milk also naturally contains the protein components lysozyme and lactoferrin. These are ingredients – a specific effect in the body cannot be derived from this.
Why foods do not treat symptoms
Menopause is a natural phase of life. Some women experience it without major changes, others have symptoms that noticeably affect everyday life. On the internet, you will find many promises about individual foods – also about donkey milk.
You should view such promises with skepticism. Foods do not treat diseases or symptoms. For good reason, statements about foods with a connection to diseases are not permitted in the EU. Only a medical consultation that knows your personal situation can clarify whether and which measures are useful in your situation.
That is why we deliberately make no promises about effects on this topic. We want you to make a well-informed decision – and not on the basis of hopes that a food cannot fulfill.
Nutrition in this phase of life: plan together with professionals
If you want to consciously shape your diet during menopause, two contacts are useful:
- Your doctor: for all questions about symptoms, prevention, and possible treatments.
- A nutrition professional: if you want to rethink your overall diet – for example with a view to energy requirements, calcium, or lactose.
For such a conversation, you can write down a few points beforehand:
- Which milk and dairy products do you eat and drink regularly?
- Do you tolerate lactose or milk protein, or are there open questions about this?
- Do you take medications or preparations that should be considered in your diet?
Donkey milk contains milk protein and lactose. If you have or suspect a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, please clarify this with a doctor beforehand.
A look into history
Donkey milk has a long cultural history. According to tradition, Cleopatra is said to have bathed in donkey milk, and donkey milk is also mentioned in writings attributed to Hippocrates. These stories show how long people have perceived donkey milk as something special. They are not evidence of an effect – they are part of cultural history.
Today, donkey milk is scientifically investigated mainly because of its composition. You can find an objective overview of the current state of research on our page Donkey milk in research.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink donkey milk during menopause?
Donkey milk is a food and can in principle be part of a varied diet. If you have symptoms, take medication, or are unsure, speak with your doctor beforehand.
Does donkey milk replace medical treatment?
No. Donkey milk is not a medicine and replaces neither a treatment nor medical advice.
How much lactose does donkey milk contain?
About 6–7 g per 100 ml, and thus rather more than cow's milk with around 4.7 g. In the case of lactose intolerance, you should clarify this with a doctor.
Where can I find the exact nutritional values?
The binding information on ingredients, allergens, and nutritional values is on the respective product label.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please contact your doctor.
