Buyer protection
Contents
Let's be honest from the start: there is no approved claim that donkey milk supports the immune system. Donkey milk is a food with an interesting composition – nothing more. Here you will find out what is in donkey milk, why claims about the immune system in foods are strictly regulated, and what really matters in nutrition.
Why this topic comes up so often
Anyone looking for donkey milk will quickly come across texts that speak of "defensive forces" or a "protective shield". Such wording sounds appealing. However, it is usually based on two things: old traditions and the fact that donkey milk naturally contains certain proteins. Neither of these allows for any statement about what donkey milk does in the human body.
We therefore present the topic objectively, because you should be able to rely on our information.
What food law says about it
In the EU, the so-called Health Claims Regulation governs which health-related claims are permitted in foods. A claim may only be used if it has been scientifically assessed and included in an official register. Additional conditions also apply, such as a certain minimum amount of a nutrient.
There is no approved claim for donkey milk itself regarding the immune system. That is why we refrain from wording such as "strengthens defenses" or "supports the immune system". This is not caution for the sake of caution, but the rule that applies to all foods.
What is in donkey milk
Its composition can be described objectively. The values naturally vary, as milk is a natural product.
| Component per 100 ml | Donkey milk, approximately | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 35–45 kcal | relatively low in energy |
| Fat | 0.3–1.8 g | usually under 1 g, so low in fat |
| Protein | 1.5–1.9 g | less than in cow's milk |
| Lactose | 6–7 g | rather more than in cow's milk |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg | mineral in milk |
In addition, donkey milk naturally contains lysozyme and lactoferrin. Both are proteins that occur in various types of milk. Their presence describes the composition. It is not evidence for a claim about the immune system.
What matters in nutrition
No single food determines your nutrition. Generally, a varied, balanced diet is considered a good foundation. Donkey milk can have a place in it if you like it – as a delicacy, not as a strategy.
- Variety instead of a single product: A balanced selection of foods counts for more than a special product.
- Professional advice: If you frequently have symptoms or questions about your nutrition, speak with your doctor.
- Nutritional counseling: With a nutrition professional, you can adapt your meal plan to your situation.
How we talk about donkey milk
At DON DONKEY'S, we describe donkey milk as it is: as a rare food. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the foal, which is hand-milked in small quantities. Our donkey milk comes from European farms and is tested in a laboratory in Germany. These are the things we can prove. Promises about your body are not among them – and that is exactly what you should be able to rely on with us.
Keep lactose and milk protein in mind
Donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, which is rather more than cow's milk (around 4.7 g). It also contains milk protein. If you have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, please consult a doctor beforehand to clarify whether donkey milk is an option for you.
For infants, donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. For children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please speak with your pediatrician or doctor beforehand.
What science investigates
Donkey milk is primarily investigated scientifically because of its composition. You can find an overview of the topics on our page Donkey milk in research. These studies describe the milk itself and are not a basis for promises about humans.
Frequently asked questions
Does donkey milk support the immune system?
There is no approved claim for this. Donkey milk is a food and we also describe it only as such.
What are lysozyme and lactoferrin?
They are proteins that occur naturally in donkey milk. We refer to them as components of the milk, not as active ingredients.
Can donkey milk prevent a cold?
No, such claims are not permitted for foods and are not proven. If you have symptoms, contact your doctor.
Is donkey milk suitable for children?
Please speak with your pediatrician before children consume it. For infants, donkey milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please contact your doctor.
