Camel milk is rich in various nutrients like vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats.
Beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergies.
May help in lowering blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
May support immunity due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Possesses potential benefits in brain health, liver and kidney function, cancer, and allergy management.
Introduction
Milk is a crucial part of our diets. There’s a recent trend towards non-dairy milk and lesser-known animal milks like camel milk. It’s been part of people’s diets for centuries, especially in tough places like deserts. Now more people are getting interested in it because of its potential health benefits.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what are the nutrients found in camel milk. We’ll learn about the surprising health benefits it may offer. We’ll also see how camel milk differs from cow’s milk. We’ll talk about the best ways to have it as part of one’s diet. And lastly, we’ll tackle some possible downsides and common questions about drinking camel milk.
Did you know?
Camel milk contains higher levels of vitamin C compared to cow’s milk. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Camel milk has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The consumption of camel milk has been found to improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Research suggests that camel milk may have a positive impact on gut health and may help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Studies have shown that camel milk may have potential anti-cancer properties, with certain compounds exhibiting cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Camel milk is a rich source of bioactive peptides that have been associated with various health benefits. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Nutritional Components of Camel Milk
Camel milk is rich in nutrients your body needs. While it’s a lot like cow’s milk in terms of calorie, protein, and carbohydrate content, it’s different in other ways. These differences are discussed below.
1. Comparing Camel Milk to Cow’s Milk
A quick look at camel milk and cow’s milk will show that while they seem alike, they differ. Especially in the case of micronutrients and the kinds of proteins and fats they have.
Camel milk has less saturated fat than cow’s milk.
It offers more vitamin C, B, calcium, iron, and potassium than cow milk.
The protein in camel milk is different from cow’s milk. So, it’s better tolerated by people who are allergic to cow’s milk.
Camel milk has more healthy fats like long-chain fatty acids. These promote brain and heart health.
2. Vitamins and Minerals
Camel milk is a powerhouse for essential vitamins and minerals. It includes the following.
Vitamin C: This boosts the immune system and helps form collagen.
Vitamin B complex: This plays a key role in energy production, nerve function, and blood cell formation.
Calcium: This is crucial for strong bones, teeth, and nerve function.
Iron: This helps form red blood cells and transport oxygen in the body.
Potassium: It helps balance fluids in the body and aids nerve and muscle functions.
3. Composition
The proteins in camel milk are special. They’re not found in cow’s milk. They can be divided into two main groups which include casein proteins and whey proteins.
Casein Proteins
Casein proteins make up about 80% of the protein content in camel milk. They form units known as micelles, which allow slow digestion. This also means a steady release of amino acids. So you feel satiated and have a steady nutrient supply. They’re also different from those in cow’s milk, so allergic reactions may be less likely.
Whey Proteins
Whey proteins contribute to the remaining 20% of the protein in camel milk. They’re easy to digest and quickly absorbed, making them a great source of essential amino acids. They may help support immunity and have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
4. Fats and Carbohydrates
Camel milk has less saturated fat than cow’s milk. It also has more healthy fats like long-chain fatty acids. These support heart and brain health.
As for carbohydrates, camel milk has less lactose than cow’s milk. It can thus be easier for people who are lactose intolerant to digest.
Here is a summary of the nutritional content of camel and cow’s milk.
Nutrient
Camel Milk
Cow’s Milk
Calories (per 100ml)
46-63
60-64
Protein (g/100ml)
3.1
3.15
Fat (g/100ml)
3.5
3.25
Saturated Fat (g/100ml)
0.8-1.5
1.9
Carbohydrates (g/100ml)
4.4
4.8
Lactose (g/100ml)
4.0
4.8
Studies have identified that camel milk consists of immune-enhancing components like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins. These components are believed to boost the immune system. In my experience, the regular consumption of camel milk in regulated amounts may boost immunity.
The unique nutritional profile of camel milk makes it attractive to health-focused individuals or those with certain diets or health conditions.
1. Rich in Nutrients
As noted before, camel milk contains a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats which possibly promote overall health. Key nutrients like vitamin C, B, calcium, iron, and potassium contribute to a strong immune system, healthy bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
2. Beneficial for Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergies
For people who have trouble with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergies, camel milk could be a good option. It contains less lactose than cow’s milk, making it easier to digest for many people. Research indicates that most people with lactose intolerance can consume camel milk without a problem.
Camel milk also has a unique protein content, making it tolerable for these individuals. In fact, some findings indicate these people can safely drink camel milk without manifesting signs of allergies.
3. Potential for Lowering Blood Sugar and Insulin
Many studies suggest that camel milk may play a role in reducing blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Particularly for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Camel milk contains proteins similar to insulin. These are believed to contribute to its proposed anti-diabetic properties. It also has good amounts of zinc which might aid insulin sensitivity.
Existing research suggests that drinking around 2 cups (500ml) of camel milk daily might be beneficial in regulating blood sugar for individuals with diabetes. More studies are needed to confirm the benefit.
4. Immune System Boost and Antimicrobial Properties
Camel milk contains compounds that may help guard against disease-causing organisms and improve immunity. Proteins such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins contribute to these immune-enhancing functions.
Lactoferrin has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can reduce the growth of harmful microorganisms like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Clostridium, H.pylori, S. aureus, and C. albicans.
Camel milk is also proposed to have potential protective effects against leukopenia. This symptom is caused by cyclophosphamide, a toxic drug used in chemotherapy.
Antioxidant Activity
The whey protein in camel milk is said to have antioxidant properties. Thus, it may help protect from damage by free radicals by boosting the body’s natural defenses.
Antimicrobial Activity
Proteins like lactoferrin and others with antimicrobial properties in camel milk may help fight harmful bacteria and fungi. Lactoferrin, for instance, suppresses H. pylori. This bacteria often causes stomach ulcers.
Antiviral Properties
Proteins in camel milk, particularly lactoferrin, have antiviral activity. Thus, they may help avoid viruses from spreading by sticking to their surfaces and disrupting their ability to invade cells and reproduce.
5. Potential Benefits for Brain Conditions and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Camel milk is being explored as potential support for behavioural and neurodevelopmental conditions. These include autism and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Some anecdotal reports and small-scale human studies indicate improved behaviours in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder after consumption of camel milk. While this is promising it is not recommended to replace standard autism management options with camel milk alone. More research is needed to corroborate this benefit.
6. Potential Benefitsin Liver, Kidney, and Gastrointestinal Health
Camel milk can reduce certain liver enzyme levels and thus may aid overall liver health. In addition to beneficial effects on the liver, camel milk may also benefit the kidneys. It could potentially avoid kidney damage. In gut health, camel milk may promote ulcer healing and decrease inflammation in the gastric lining.
7. Possible Benefits in Cancer
Camel milk has demonstrated anticancer properties. Studies have shown that it induces cell death and DNA damage in human colorectal and breast cancer cells. However, more research is required to fully understand these effects and to confirm camel milk’s role in cancer management.
8. Soothing Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases
Researchers suggest that camel milk may help alleviate allergy symptoms, including eczema, by lowering inflammation and enhancing immune system function. It contains unique proteins like lysozyme and lactoferrin which may help manage autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis.
Researchers have found that camel milk may help lower blood sugar and improve how our bodies respond to insulin in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It contains insulin-like proteins that act like insulin, which are believed to control our blood sugar levels. Also, camel milk has a lot of zinc, which might make our bodies more sensitive to insulin and help manage blood sugar better. Do not substitute camel milk for diabetes medicines without talking to your doctor first.
There are numerous ways in which you can include camel milk in your diet. These are discussed below.
Incorporating Camel Milk into Recipes
You can add it to soups, sauces, and batters, or mix it into smoothies. Pour it into your coffee or tea in the morning.
Camel Milk Products
Products made with camel milk, such as cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, and kefir, are gaining popularity around the world. Still, these products might not be widely available because of the unique nature of camel milk.
Raw vs. Pasteurized Camel Milk
Some people like raw camel milk, while others prefer pasteurized milk to stay safe from harmful bacteria. It is always advised to consume pasteurized milk but ultimately it is your choice. Whatever may be your choice, make sure camel milk is processed and stored correctly to avoid contamination and spoilage.
I have read that camel milk might show promise in assisting conditions like autism, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress by balancing antioxidant enzyme levels, which may improve psychological symptoms. However, I would recommend consulting a doctor for proper management of these diseases.
It’s fantastic to learn about the benefits of camel milk. However, there are a few potential downsides to consider. These are as follows.
1. Higher Cost
Producing camel milk costs more than cow’s milk. That’s due to limited supply, the challenges around breeding and milking camels, and import taxes.
2. Pasteurization Concerns
While raw camel milk has been traditionally consumed without heat treatment or pasteurization, it’s often discouraged by health professionals. This is because of the increased risk of foodborne illnesses and bacterial contamination.
3. Ethical Considerations
Even though people have consumed camel milk for centuries, creating camel dairies in areas where camels are not native raises some ethical issues. As the production of camel milk becomes more common, it’s important to think about the welfare of the animals involved and the sustainability of the industry.
Researchers have found that camel milk contains reduced levels of lactose compared to cow milk. To my knowledge, it may provide antidiarrheal properties, making it a better option for individuals with lactose intolerance.
The unique nutritional profile and potential health benefits of camel milk make it a promising addition to many people’s diets. With its rich array of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and unique proteins, camel milk offers various advantages over cow’s milk, including lower allergy potential, immunity-supporting properties, and enhanced diabetes management.
While more can still be learned about the full potential of camel milk, existing research, and anecdotal evidence highlight its impressive health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does camel milk do to your body?
Camel milk may offer plenty of essential nutrients for the body. Some notable ones include supporting immune function, checking blood sugar levels, fighting microbial infections, and promoting liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal health.
Why is camel milk so expensive?
It is more expensive than cow’s milk. That’s because of limited supply, higher costs tied to camel breeding, milking, and importing.
What are the benefits of camel milk in Islam?
In Islam, camel milk is said to have several healing properties. For instance, it may help support immunity.
Is camel milk healthier than goat milk?
While each milk type offers unique nutritional benefits, camel milk is often preferable for those with lactose intolerance or allergies to cow’s milk. However, goat milk can be easier to digest due to its lower casein content.
References:
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, brain function and mental health [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5445635
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Lactose Intolerance in Adults: Biological Mechanism and Dietary Management [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586575
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Consumption of camel’s milk by patients intolerant to lactose. A preliminary study [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20857626
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Nutritional and Therapeutic Characteristics of Camel Milk in Children: A Systematic Review [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700900
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Medicinal values of bioactive constituents of camel milk: A concise report [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5669503
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Milk metabolites and neurodegeneration: Is there crosstalk? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4627205
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel milk: an alternative for cow’s milk allergy in children [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21703103
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel milk for food allergies in children [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16382703
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel milk and its unique anti-diarrheal properties [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23484237
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel Milk Has Beneficial Effects on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5626114
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of camel milk on glucose metabolism in adults with normal glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes in Raica community: a crossover study [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22783713
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel milk ameliorates hyperglycaemia and oxidative damage in type-1 diabetic experimental rats [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27600979
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel milk as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes: verification of a traditional ethnomedical practice [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19459752
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A study of the anti-diabetic agents of camel milk [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22751901
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Zinc status is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid, and glucose metabolism [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5754376
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of Camel Milk on Blood Sugar and Lipid Profile of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Clinical Trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338669
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of camel milk on glycemic control and insulin requirement in patients with type 1 diabetes: 2-years randomized controlled trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21629270
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Immune potentiating and antitoxic effects of camel milk against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in BALB/C mice [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654189
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Why whey? Camel whey protein as a new dietary approach to the management of free radicals and for the treatment of different health disorders [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5425915
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Patient Report: Autism Spectrum Disorder Treated With Camel Milk [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865381
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Behavioral Benefits of Camel Milk in Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26577969
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A Short Review on the Current Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4766109
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel Milk as a Potential Therapy as an Antioxidant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3773435
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The Therapeutic Effects of Camel Milk: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Trials [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27432772
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Beneficial anti-Parkinson effects of camel milk in Chlorpromazineinduced animal model: Behavioural and histopathological study [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27731807
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Neurochemical, structural and neurobehavioral evidence of neuronal protection by whey proteins in diabetic albino mice [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4331294
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Potential antioxidant bioactive peptides from camel milk proteins [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116331
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Processing Challenges and Opportunities of Camel Dairy Products [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646346
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Reproductive physiology in female Old World Camelids [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20888154
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Raw milk consumption and health [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25845259
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Raw Milk and the First Amendment: Implications for Public Health Policy and Practice [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116376
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Dromedary Camels and the Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ( MERS ‐CoV) [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4749478
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Camel milk-associated infection risk perception and knowledge in French Hajj pilgrims [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23725087
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Influence of camel milk on the hepatitis C virus burden of infected patients [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5377298
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Anticancer Activity of Camel Milk via Induction of Autophagic Death in Human Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cells [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428541
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of camel milk against renal toxicity in experimental rats [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28650321
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Gastroprotective and Ulcer Healing Effects of Camel Milk and Urine in HCl/EtOH, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (Indomethacin), and Water-Restraint Stress-induced Ulcer in Rats [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5701391
PubMed. Effect of camel milk in asthmatic children: A double-blind randomized pilot study [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36018547
PubMed. YY-11, a camel milk-derived peptide, inhibits TGF-β-mediated atherogenic signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34312884
PubMed. Oxytocin and cortisol release during suckling, hand-milking and machine milking in camels [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34289918
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). “The role of oxytocin in psychiatric disorders: A review of biological and therapeutic research findings” [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120070
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Isolation of probiotic bacteria from raw camel’s milk and their antagonistic effects on two bacteria causing food poisoning [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6317326
PubMed. Camel Milk Attenuates Rheumatoid Arthritis Via Inhibition of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Pathway [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28930753
ScienceDirect. <a href=”http://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/saudi-journal-of-biological-sciences” target=”_blank”>Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences</a> [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/1319562X
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Nutritional, antimicrobial and medicinal properties of Camel’s milk: A review [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8117040
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the informationprovided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty 
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024
Comments