Donkey Milk and Allergies: What Food Can Do

Contents

1. What happens during an allergy—explained briefly
2. Why you should be skeptical of “natural relief”
3. What is in donkey milk—from an objective perspective
4. And what about personal care products made with donkey...
5. Do you have an allergy? These steps make sense
6. Why donkey milk still interests many people
7. Frequently Asked Questions

You may have read that donkey milk can relieve allergies “naturally.” The honest answer is: donkey milk is a food, and foods do not treat allergies. What can be said objectively concerns its composition—and it contains milk protein and lactose, like other animal milks. In this article, we explain what is behind such claims and what you should look out for.

What happens during an allergy—explained briefly

During an allergy, the immune system reacts to substances that are harmless to most people. These can be pollen, dust mites, pet hair, or certain proteins in food. Which substances trigger a reaction and how severe it is varies from person to person.

That is exactly why an allergy should be assessed by a doctor. Only a doctor can determine what you are reacting to and discuss how to manage it in everyday life. A single food cannot replace this assessment—even if it comes from nature and has a long tradition.

Why you should be skeptical of “natural relief”

Online, you will find many texts that portray donkey milk as a gentle remedy for allergic symptoms. Such claims are problematic for two reasons:

• They are not supported by evidence. There is no approved claim that donkey milk affects allergies or their symptoms.
• They are not permitted for food. Under EU food law, foods may not be advertised as being able to prevent, treat, or cure diseases. Health claims are only permitted if they have been expressly approved.

That is why we have revised our articles. Instead of promises, you will find an objective overview here: What is donkey milk, what is in it, and what does that mean for people with allergies?

What is in donkey milk—from an objective perspective

Donkey milk is a relatively light milk. Every 100 ml contains about 35–45 kcal, around 0.3–1.8 g of fat (usually less than 1 g), about 1.5–1.9 g of protein, around 6–7 g of lactose, and about 60–90 mg of calcium. It also naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin.

Important for the topic of allergies: These figures only describe the composition. The fact that a component is present says nothing about what it does in your body. And: donkey milk is and remains milk. It contains milk protein. Anyone who reacts to milk protein cannot assume that donkey milk is automatically an option.

We have summarized how donkey milk is scientifically studied on the page Donkey Milk in Research—it focuses on its composition, not on claims of effectiveness.

And what about personal care products made with donkey milk?

Donkey milk is also used in cosmetics, such as creams or body milk. Such products are personal care products. They can care for the skin, moisturize it, and provide a pleasant skin feel. However, they are not intended to treat skin conditions or allergic skin reactions.

If you know that you react to certain substances, it is worth looking at the list of ingredients on the packaging. If you are unsure, it is best to speak with your dermatologist beforehand.

Do you have an allergy? These steps make sense

1. Have a doctor assess it: Find out exactly what you are reacting to. This is the basis for all further decisions.
2. Plan your diet together: If food is affected, a nutrition professional can help you create a balanced meal plan.
3. Read labels: Milk is an allergen that must be labeled. Ingredients and allergens are always listed on the label.
4. Do not test it on your own: Do not try new types of milk without consulting a doctor if you have a known milk protein allergy.

Why donkey milk still interests many people

Donkey milk is rare. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day—in addition to the milk for her foal. It is hand-milked in small quantities. According to tradition, donkey milk was already valued in antiquity, for example as a bath or as food. Today, many people are primarily interested in its mild, slightly sweet taste and its unique composition.

That is a legitimate reason to try donkey milk. It is not an allergy treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink donkey milk even though I have a milk protein allergy?

This cannot be answered with a blanket yes or no. Donkey milk contains milk protein. Please discuss beforehand with your doctor whether it is an option for you.

Is donkey milk hypoallergenic?

We deliberately do not use this term. It is often misunderstood and suggests a level of safety that does not exist for foods containing milk protein.

What does it mean that donkey milk contains lysozyme?

Lysozyme is a natural protein component of donkey milk. We list it as an ingredient. This does not imply any specific effect in the body.

What can donkey milk cosmetics do for sensitive skin?

Cosmetics care for the skin; they do not treat skin problems. If your skin remains irritated or red, a dermatologist is the right person to consult.

Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health-related questions, please consult your doctor.