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What vitamins and minerals are in donkey milk? In short: like other types of milk, donkey milk contains calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, as well as various fat- and water-soluble vitamins. The exact amounts vary depending on the animal, feeding and season. Here you will find an objective overview – with the values that can be stated with confidence and an honest look at what remains unclear.
The basics: How donkey milk is composed
Before looking at micronutrients, it is worth considering the overall composition. Donkey milk consists mainly of water. Every 100 ml contains approximately 35–45 kcal, 0.3–1.8 g of fat (usually less than 1 g), 1.5–1.9 g of protein and 6–7 g of lactose. This makes it lower in fat than whole cow's milk, but it contains more milk sugar. This combination gives it the mild, slightly sweet taste that many people appreciate in donkey milk.
Vitamins and minerals make up only a small part of the total quantity. Nevertheless, they are an interesting topic because donkey milk also differs from cow's milk in this regard.
Minerals in donkey milk
The minerals in milk are often stated together as "ash" – that is, what remains after burning a sample. The main minerals in donkey milk include:
- Calcium: approximately 60–90 mg per 100 ml. This is less than in cow's milk, which usually contains around 120 mg.
- Phosphorus: contained in smaller amounts than calcium. The ratio of the two substances is frequently described in scientific literature.
- Potassium and sodium: typical milk minerals, the content of which varies depending on the sample.
- Magnesium: present in small amounts.
- Trace elements such as zinc and iron: only in very small amounts, which depend heavily on feeding and analysis.
Important for context: donkey milk is not a particularly significant source of minerals compared to other types of milk. It is interesting primarily because of its overall composition.
Vitamins in donkey milk
Various vitamins are described in the literature as being present in donkey milk:
- Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E: Since donkey milk contains little fat, these vitamins are usually only present in small amounts.
- Vitamin C: is regularly detected in donkey milk. However, the content is sensitive to storage, light and processing.
- B vitamins such as B2 (riboflavin) and B12: are also present, as in other types of milk.
Specific quantity data for individual vitamins vary considerably in studies. That is why we deliberately do not provide figures here that would give a false impression of accuracy that does not exist for a natural product.
What can be inferred from the values – and what cannot
The fact that a vitamin or mineral is present in a food does not mean that it is contained in a significant amount. For claims such as "rich in" or "source of", fixed minimum values apply in the EU. For effects on the body, there are also strictly regulated formulations.
Our position is therefore clear: We describe what is contained in donkey milk. We do not say that donkey milk improves certain bodily functions. Donkey milk is a special food – not a dietary supplement and not a substitute for a varied diet.
You can find a detailed look at proteins, lysozyme and lactoferrin in the post on the components of donkey milk. You will also find a comparison with cow's milk there.
Fresh or as a powder: Are there differences?
Fresh donkey milk is delivered frozen by DON DONKEY'S. It is hand-milked on European farms and laboratory-tested in Germany. Store it at −18 °C and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C.
The donkey milk powder is freeze-dried. During this process, water is removed from the milk. For preparation: 10 g of powder and 90 ml of water yield approximately 100 ml. Nutritional information for powder therefore usually refers to 100 g of powder and cannot be directly compared with liquid milk. You will find the exact values on the label in each case.
How to enjoy donkey milk in everyday life
- pure and well-chilled as a small glass for breakfast
- in muesli, porridge or a smoothie
- as a mild base for desserts and drinks
Please follow the instructions on the label.
Frequently asked questions
How much calcium does donkey milk contain?
Approximately 60–90 mg per 100 ml. This is less than in cow's milk. The values vary depending on the animal and feeding.
Does donkey milk contain vitamin C?
Yes, vitamin C is detected in donkey milk. The amount depends heavily on storage and processing, which is why we do not state a fixed value.
Is donkey milk a dietary supplement?
No. Donkey milk is a food. It does not replace a varied diet.
Where can I find the exact nutritional values?
You will find the nutritional values for the respective product on the label or in the product description.
