Buyer protection
Contents
First, a quick word: Donkey milk is a food and not a remedy for heart or circulatory conditions. Foods do not treat diseases, and there is no approved claim for donkey milk relating to the heart. We can state objectively what donkey milk is composed of – and why dietary questions concerning the heart should be left to medical professionals.
Why we do not make any heart-related promises
Online you will find texts claiming that donkey milk is good for the heart, keeps blood vessels elastic, or protects against a heart attack. We cannot confirm such claims. In the EU, foods may only be marketed with health claims that have been scientifically assessed and officially approved. There is no such approved claim for donkey milk relating to the cardiovascular system.
Claims linking a food to the prevention or treatment of diseases are generally not permitted for food products. This is not a matter of formality: These rules are intended to prevent people with serious illnesses from relying on promises instead of receiving medical guidance.
What is in donkey milk
Donkey milk is a milk with its own composition. The following values are typical ranges. Because it is a natural product, they vary from batch to batch. The information on the label is binding.
| Nutrient | per 100 ml (approximately) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Donkey milk also naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. These are proteins found in milk. We list them as ingredients – not as evidence of an effect on the body.
Where does donkey milk get its great reputation? It is rare: a donkey gives only about 1 to 2 liters of milk per day in addition to her foal, and it is milked by hand or in small quantities. This rarity and old traditions have led to donkey milk often being associated with high expectations. However, only the figures matter for an objective assessment – and they show a milk with low fat and a relatively high amount of milk sugar.
An objective look at the fat content
The low fat content is striking: In most cases, it is under 1 g per 100 ml. For comparison: whole cow's milk contains at least 3.5% fat. However, this does not lead to any claim about the heart. How the fat in donkey milk is specifically composed can vary depending on feeding and the season. We therefore do not provide information on individual fatty acids.
Another point is often overlooked: A large part of the energy in donkey milk comes from milk sugar. With about 6 to 7 g of lactose per 100 ml, it contains more than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g. If you are to adapt your diet from a medical perspective, this should also be taken into account.
Diet and the heart: Who should advise you
If you have a cardiovascular disease, elevated blood lipid levels, or high blood pressure, your doctor is the right person to consult. They will assess your situation individually. Qualified nutritionists can also support you when it comes to implementing changes in everyday life.
- Never change prescribed treatments on your own – not even for a food product.
- Ask if you are unsure whether a particular food fits into your diet.
- Pay attention to the nutritional information on the label instead of promises found online.
- Feel free to bring the label or a photo of the nutritional table to your appointment if you have specific questions.
What research is investigating
Donkey milk is primarily investigated scientifically for its composition. This includes questions about the protein and fat content or specific components such as lysozyme. Such studies are not evidence of effects in humans. You can find an overview of the research topics on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an approved claim about donkey milk and the heart?
No. There is no approved health claim for donkey milk relating to the cardiovascular system. We therefore do not make any claims in this regard.
How much fat does donkey milk contain?
Approximately 0.3 to 1.8 g per 100 ml, mostly under 1 g. The exact values are on the label.
Does donkey milk affect cholesterol levels?
There is no approved claim for this, and we do not claim that it has any such effect. If you have questions about your blood lipid levels, please consult your doctor.
Can I drink donkey milk if I have a heart condition?
It is best to discuss this individually with your doctor to ensure it fits into your overall diet and treatment plan.
Donkey milk is a food product and not a medicine. If you have any health-related questions, please consult your doctor.
