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What actually happens to milk after you drink it? In short: the body breaks down milk sugar, protein, and fat step by step into smaller building blocks, mainly in the small intestine. This applies to cow's milk as well as donkey milk. In this post, we explain the journey from the glass through the digestive tract in simple terms – using the nutritional values of donkey milk as an example and without making any promises.
An overview of the components of milk
Milk consists mostly of water. In addition, there is milk sugar, protein, fat, and minerals. In donkey milk, per 100 ml, there are approximately:
| Component | Donkey milk (approx., per 100 ml) | Cow's milk (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Lactose | 6–7 g | around 4.7 g |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g | around 3.3 g |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (mostly under 1 g) | around 3.5 g (whole milk) |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg | around 120 mg |
Each of these components is digested in its own way. The values of donkey milk vary depending on the animal, feeding, and lactation phase.
Station 1: Mouth and stomach
Digestion begins in the mouth, even though milk only stays there briefly. In the stomach, it meets stomach acid. A part of the milk protein curdles in the process, similar to cheese making. Especially the so-called casein clumps out. The enzyme pepsin begins to break down the proteins into smaller pieces.
Donkey milk has a lower casein content than cow's milk and a comparatively high proportion of whey proteins. This describes the composition of the milk. A statement about how you personally tolerate milk cannot be derived from this.
Station 2: Small intestine – here most of it happens
The real work is done in the small intestine. Three processes run there in parallel:
- Milk sugar: The enzyme lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. The body can absorb these simple sugars.
- Protein: Enzymes from the pancreas further break down the protein pieces into peptides and amino acids.
- Fat: Bile divides fat into fine droplets. Lipases then break it down into fatty acids and further building blocks.
Minerals such as calcium are also largely absorbed in the small intestine.
Station 3: Large intestine
What is not absorbed in the small intestine reaches the large intestine. There, water is mainly recovered. Many microorganisms live in the large intestine, which further break down undigested residues. This is a normal process.
In people who produce little lactase, more lactose reaches the large intestine. This can cause discomfort. This is then referred to as lactose intolerance. Important: Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g per 100 ml, which is rather more lactose than cow's milk. It is not a low-lactose alternative. You can find more about this in the post Which milk contains how much lactose?
Why people tolerate milk differently
How well someone tolerates milk depends on many factors: the quantity, one's own lactase production, a possible milk protein allergy, and what is eaten at the same time. These differences are very individual. There is no approved statement about a special effect on the intestine or digestion for donkey milk.
If you have persistent digestive discomfort, please have it checked by a doctor. Food does not treat illnesses. What research investigates about donkey milk and the intestine and where the limits lie, you can read in our post Donkey milk and the intestine: Terms, research and clear limits.
Frequently asked questions
Where is milk sugar digested?
Mainly in the small intestine. There, the enzyme lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which the body can absorb.
Is donkey milk digested differently than cow's milk?
The process is the same. There are differences in the composition: Donkey milk contains more lactose, less fat, and less casein than cow's milk.
Is donkey milk an alternative for lactose intolerance?
No, not automatically. Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml. In case of lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy, please clarify this with a doctor beforehand.
What to do in case of digestive discomfort?
Contact your doctor. Persistent discomfort should be checked by a doctor.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. For health questions, please contact your doctor.
