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Donkey milk contains various vitamins and minerals like all milk. The calcium content is best documented at around 60 to 90 mg per 100 ml. For most vitamins, the values vary widely, and the amounts are generally rather low in milk. In this article, we objectively explain what is known about the micronutrients in donkey milk, why individual values should be interpreted with caution, and where you can find reliable information.
Minerals in donkey milk
Minerals are inorganic components found in all types of milk. The minerals typically studied in milk include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, as well as trace elements such as zinc and iron.
For donkey milk, the calcium content is primarily documented: around 60 to 90 mg per 100 ml. For comparison, cow's milk is usually higher. Donkey milk is therefore not a particularly calcium-rich milk, but rather a milk with its own, rather light composition. The remaining minerals occur in amounts that vary depending on the animal and the test. There are hardly any fixed average values you can rely on.
Vitamins in donkey milk
In scientific literature, donkey milk is also studied for fat-soluble vitamins (such as A, D, and E) and water-soluble vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin C). However, the measured values differ significantly. There are several reasons for this:
- Feeding: What the donkey eats influences the composition of the milk.
- Season: Grazing in summer and hay feeding in winter can lead to differences.
- Lactation stage: The milk changes over time after the birth of the foal.
- Fat content: Fat-soluble vitamins are found in the milk fat. Since donkey milk usually contains less than 1 g of fat per 100 ml, its vitamin levels are correspondingly limited.
- Processing and storage: Light, heat, and time can reduce individual vitamins.
We therefore deliberately do not state individual vitamin values. They would imply a level of precision that does not exist for a natural product with small amounts.
Lysozyme and lactoferrin: not vitamins
The terms lysozyme and lactoferrin are often mentioned in connection with donkey milk. Neither are vitamins nor minerals, but rather protein components naturally found in donkey milk. Donkey milk is studied scientifically primarily for its composition, including these proteins. You can find an overview of the current state of research on our Donkey Milk Research page.
Nutritional values at a glance
To help you understand the micronutrients, here is the basic composition. Per 100 ml, donkey milk contains approximately:
| Component | Donkey milk (approx., per 100 ml) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g (usually less than 1 g) |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g |
| Lactose | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
The relatively high lactose content is striking: With around 6 to 7 g per 100 ml, donkey milk contains more milk sugar than cow's milk, which has around 4.7 g. You can read more about this in the article Donkey Milk: Ingredients and Nutritional Values.
Where you can find reliable information
For a specific product, the information on the label is authoritative. The nutritional values are stated there in accordance with legal requirements. In contrast, values from studies or the internet refer to specific samples and cannot easily be applied to all donkey milk.
The same applies to the freeze-dried donkey milk powder: The information on the label refers to the powder or the prepared milk. With 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water, you get approximately 100 ml.
Correctly understanding donkey milk
Donkey milk is a rare food that many people appreciate for its mild, slightly sweet taste. For your supply of vitamins and minerals, a varied diet with vegetables, fruit, grains, and other foods is crucial—not a single product. If you have questions about your personal nutrient supply, contact your doctor or a nutrition professional.
You can find ideas on how to use donkey milk in your cooking in our Recipes with Donkey Milk.
Why we refrain from making nutritional claims
Terms such as "rich in" or "source of" may only be used in the EU if a food contains certain minimum amounts of a nutrient. Because the levels in donkey milk vary and are low for many vitamins, we refrain from making such claims. Instead, we provide the nutritional values as they appear on the label.
Frequently asked questions
How much calcium does donkey milk contain?
Around 60 to 90 mg per 100 ml. The exact value varies and is stated on the label for the respective product.
Which vitamins are contained in donkey milk?
Donkey milk is studied for fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The levels vary widely and are generally low. Therefore, we do not state individual values.
Does freeze-drying change the ingredients?
During freeze-drying, water is removed from the milk. You can find the nutritional values of the powder on the label.
Are lysozyme and lactoferrin vitamins?
No. They are protein components naturally found in donkey milk.
