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Is donkey milk a natural aid for the gut? This cannot be seriously promised for a food product. Many terms and even more claims circulate regarding the gut and gut flora. In this article, we explain the most important terms, show what research on donkey milk investigates, and provide you with a checklist to help you better assess advertising claims.
Common terms regarding the gut explained clearly
Many texts about nutrition use technical terms without explaining them. Here is a brief overview:
- Gut flora or gut microbiome: the totality of microorganisms that naturally live in the gut. It is composed differently in every person and is influenced by many factors, not by a single food.
- Prebiotics: term for certain food components that can be used by these microorganisms. Whether a food product can be advertised as such is strictly regulated by law.
- Probiotics: live microorganisms that are added to certain foods. Donkey milk is not a probiotic product.
- Nutritional information: information such as energy, fat, protein, or carbohydrates. It describes what is in a food product – not what it does in the body.
What is in donkey milk
Donkey milk contains approximately 35–45 kcal, 0.3–1.8 g of fat (mostly under 1 g), 1.5–1.9 g of protein, 6–7 g of lactose, and 60–90 mg of calcium per 100 ml. The values naturally vary. The information on the label is binding for a specific product.
The lactose content is particularly important: With around 6–7 g per 100 ml, donkey milk contains more milk sugar than cow's milk (approx. 4.7 g). It also naturally contains the protein components lysozyme and lactoferrin. These are ingredients – a statement about effects in the gut cannot be derived from this.
What research on donkey milk investigates
Donkey milk is primarily investigated scientifically for its composition: What protein components does it contain, how do the fat and sugar content differ from other types of milk, how does the milk change during processing and storage? These are exciting questions for food science.
Important for assessment: Results from the laboratory or from studies on composition cannot simply be transferred to humans. Furthermore, a single study is not yet established knowledge. In the EU, only health claims that have been expressly approved after scientific examination may be used for food products. There is no approved claim for donkey milk regarding the gut.
You can find an objective overview of the current state of research on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Checklist: Assessing advertising claims regarding the gut
When you read texts about food and the gut, these questions will help you:
- Is a disease mentioned? Food products may not be advertised for the treatment or prevention of diseases. Such statements are a warning sign.
- Is a direct conclusion drawn from an ingredient to an effect? The fact that a substance is contained does not yet say anything about its effect in the body.
- Are studies cited? Check whether the study was conducted on humans and whether it really claims what the text says.
- Are there testimonials? Individual experiences are not evidence. Complaints change for many reasons.
- Is pressure being applied? Formulations such as "secure your supply now" in connection with health topics are an indication of advertising, not information.
When medical advice is important
Food products do not treat diseases. If you have persistent abdominal complaints, please speak with your doctor. This applies especially to pain, changes in bowel movements, unintentional weight loss, or blood in the stool.
Even if you simply want to try donkey milk as a food product, please note: It contains milk protein and lactose. If you have a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, please clarify the consumption with your doctor beforehand. For children, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding, speak with your pediatrician or doctor beforehand. Donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donkey milk a prebiotic?
There is no approved claim of this kind for donkey milk. We therefore do not advertise it as such either.
Does donkey milk contain live cultures?
Donkey milk is not a probiotic product. Information about ingredients can be found on the label.
Are there studies on donkey milk?
Yes, primarily on its composition. Statements about effects in humans cannot be derived from this. You can find an overview on our research page.
What do I do about digestive complaints?
Please contact your doctor. Persistent complaints should be professionally assessed.
Donkey milk is a food product and not a medicine. For health-related questions, please contact your doctor.
