Buyer protection
Contents
First off: donkey milk is a food, not a remedy for joint problems. There is no verified or approved claim that donkey milk has an effect on joints. We can state objectively what donkey milk is composed of, where its reputation comes from, and why dietary questions related to health problems should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Where the connection between donkey milk and joints comes from
You will find many texts online that link donkey milk with joints. Most rely on old traditions, individual ingredients, or personal experiences. These three levels are often mixed together. But an old tradition says nothing about what a food does in the human body. And an ingredient found in a milk is not evidence of a claim about its effect on humans.
Then there is the legal framework: in the EU, foods may only be marketed with health claims that have been scientifically verified and officially approved. There is no such approved claim for donkey milk regarding joints. That is why you will not find any such promises here—not even between the lines.
What donkey milk is as a food
Donkey milk is milk from donkeys. It is light, rather thin, and tastes mild and slightly sweet. Its composition differs significantly from cow's milk. The following values are guidelines, as milk is a natural product and varies depending on the animal, feed, and season.
| Nutritional value per 100 ml | Donkey milk, approximately |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (mostly under 1 g) |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose (milk sugar) | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
Donkey milk also naturally contains the proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin. This is a description of its composition. No conclusions about its effects on joints, muscles, or bones can be drawn from this.
An honest look at the fatty acids
Older texts often state that donkey milk is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is worth taking a look at the numbers here. Donkey milk is a low-fat milk: it usually contains less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml. Even if some of that is made up of unsaturated fatty acids, the absolute amount in a glass remains small. Anyone who is specifically interested in fatty acids in their diet should discuss this with a nutrition professional rather than relying on donkey milk as a source.
Diet for joint problems: who can advise you properly
Joint problems can have many different causes. Foods do not treat illnesses. The best way to find out whether and how you should adapt your diet is to consult professionals:
- Doctor: to determine the cause and provide treatment.
- Nutrition professional: to create a dietary plan that suits you and your needs.
- Pharmacy: for questions about interactions if you take medication and want to change your diet.
If you like donkey milk, you can enjoy it as part of a varied diet, just like other types of milk. However, it is no substitute for medical treatment or professional advice.
Lactose and milk protein: what you should know
One point is often overlooked: donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, which is more than cow's milk with around 4.7 g. It is therefore not a low-lactose milk. It also contains milk protein. Anyone with lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy should consult a doctor before consuming it to find out whether donkey milk is suitable. You will always find the ingredients and allergens on the label.
What research on donkey milk is interested in
Donkey milk is primarily studied scientifically for its composition—that is, its protein profile, fat content, and natural proteins such as lysozyme and lactoferrin. These studies describe what is in the milk. They are not evidence of its effect on health problems. You can find an overview of the research topics on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Frequently asked questions
Can donkey milk be marketed with claims about joints?
No. There is no approved health claim for donkey milk regarding joints. Claims such as "relieves joint pain" are therefore not permitted for foods.
Does donkey milk contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids?
Donkey milk is very low in fat. With usually less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml, the amount of fatty acids in a typical serving is small.
Can I drink donkey milk if I take medication?
Donkey milk is a food. If you take medication and are unsure whether a food is suitable for your treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Is donkey milk low in lactose?
No. With about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, donkey milk contains more milk sugar than cow's milk.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health-related questions, please consult your doctor.
