Buyer protection
Contents
When it comes to donkey milk and inflammation, two terms almost always come up: lysozyme and lactoferrin. Both proteins occur naturally in donkey milk. However, this does not mean that donkey milk is anti-inflammatory – such a claim is neither approved nor proven in humans for donkey milk. Here we explain objectively what lies behind the two terms and how you can assess statements about them.
Lysozyme: an enzyme found in many sources
Lysozyme is an enzyme, i.e., a protein that enables certain chemical reactions. It is not a rare substance: lysozyme is found in nature in many places, for example in egg white and in various body fluids of humans and animals. Milk also contains lysozyme – in different amounts depending on the animal species.
Donkey milk is frequently mentioned in the literature in connection with lysozyme because it is a typical component of its protein profile. For you, this means: lysozyme is a description of what is in the milk. A statement about what a glass of donkey milk does in the body cannot be derived from this.
Lactoferrin: a protein that binds iron
Lactoferrin is a protein found in the milk of various mammals. Its name reveals a property: "lacto" stands for milk, "ferrin" for iron. Lactoferrin can bind iron. This is a chemical property of the molecule and is described accordingly in research.
The same applies here: that lactoferrin is contained in donkey milk describes its composition. Whether and to what extent an ingredient from a food plays a certain role in the body is a completely different question – and for donkey milk, this has not been established in the sense of an approved claim.
From ingredient to advertising claim: where the line is drawn
Many texts make a leap in logic: a substance is examined in the laboratory, a property is described – and suddenly it is claimed that the food also has this property in humans. This leap is not permitted for several reasons:
- Quantity: A glass of milk contains an ingredient in a specific, often small amount. Laboratory experiments often work with isolated substances.
- Digestion: Proteins are broken down during digestion. What happens in a test tube cannot simply be transferred to the body.
- Law: Health-related claims about food are only permitted in the EU if they have been tested and approved. There is no claim regarding inflammation for donkey milk.
That is why at DON DONKEY'S we only refer to lysozyme and lactoferrin as components of the milk – not as active ingredients.
The remaining components at a glance
Lysozyme and lactoferrin are only a small part of the milk. The majority consists of water, lactose, protein, and some fat.
| Component 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 | 6–7 g |
| Calcium | 60–90 mg |
Important for everyone with intolerances: donkey milk contains about 6–7 g of lactose per 100 ml, which is rather more than cow's milk (around 4.7 g), and contains milk protein. If you have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy, please consult a doctor beforehand about consumption.
What applies to freezing and powder
People often ask whether lysozyme and lactoferrin are preserved when frozen or freeze-dried. We deliberately make no statements about this, because they would only be a description of the composition anyway and not a reason for a purchasing decision with regard to your body. For enjoyment, it is important: store frozen donkey milk at −18 °C and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C. Please follow the instructions on the label.
How to recognize reliable information
When you are researching donkey milk, a few simple questions will make it easier to assess:
- Does the text describe the composition or does it promise an effect on your body?
- Are laboratory results directly transferred to humans?
- Does the text rely on individual testimonials instead of tested information?
- Does the text advise seeking medical advice for symptoms – or does it replace it?
You can find an objective overview of research topics surrounding composition on our page Donkey Milk in Research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can donkey milk be described as anti-inflammatory?
No. There is no approved claim about this for donkey milk. It is a food and not a medicine.
Why is lysozyme so often mentioned in connection with donkey milk?
Because it is a typical component of its protein profile. This is a description of the composition, not a statement about effects in the body.
Is lactoferrin only contained in donkey milk?
No. Lactoferrin is found in the milk of various mammals, including cow's milk.
What should I do if I have inflammatory symptoms?
Contact your doctor. Foods do not treat illnesses.
Donkey milk is a food and not a medicine. If you have health questions, please contact your doctor.
