Camel milk contains fewer allergens than cow’s milk, which could make it a healthier and safer choice for those who suffer from intolerances to traditional dairy, according to a new study from Australia.
The report said that “the major milk allergen beta-lactoglobulin was not detected in camel milk”, and its absence makes it “potentially less allergenic”.
“This is a good thing,” said Manujaya Jayamanna Mohittige at Australia’s Edith Cowan University, who conducted the research. “We now know that camel milk has the potential to be hypoallergenic compared to cow’s milk.”
Mohittige said that the findings could prove helpful as climate change continues because camels are better equipped than dairy cows to thrive in higher temperatures.
The report, Beyond nutrition: Exploring immune proteins, bioactive peptides, and allergens in cow and Arabian camel milk, was published in the scientific journal Food Chemistry.
What is Beta-lactoglobulin?
“Beta-lactoglobulin is a protein found in the milk of many mammals, including cows, but not in camel milk,” says Ruba ElHourani, senior clinical dietitian at RAK Hospital. “It’s one of the primary proteins in cow’s milk that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those who are allergic to milk.”
Experts say children especially can be sensitive to the protein. Allergies can develop naturally at any age, although a family history of allergies increases the chance of inheriting the condition.
ElHourani explains: “For people with a milk allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies proteins like beta-lactoglobulin as harmful and mounts an immune response, which can lead to symptoms ranging from mild, like hives or digestive issues to severe, such as anaphylaxis.”
Camel milk may boost immune system
The study found that bioactive peptides prevalent in camel milk may provide additional health benefits such as boosting immunity and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
“The cream fraction resulted in the highest yield of proteins, identifying 1,143 camel and 851 cow proteins,” said the study. “The cream fraction contained a significantly higher concentration of immune system-related proteins.”
Camel milk can “yield bioactive peptides which can have antimicrobial properties and anti-hypertensive properties which may selectively inhibit certain pathogens, and by doing so, create a healthy gut environment,” explains Mohittige. “It also has the potential to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.”
Peptides are short chains of amino acids which form proteins and play a crucial role in many biological functions. The body makes many peptides naturally, such as insulin, and they have been created artificially since the 1920s.
“The camel’s milk has antioxidant, antimicrobial, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides, antidiabetic as well as anti-cholesterol activities,” says Janani Satchithanantham, a dietetics specialist at Aster Hospital − Al Qusais. “Recent studies suggest that these peptides could offer significant health benefits, potentially boosting the immune system and lowering the risk of cardiovascular conditions.”
The importance of good gut health
Experts say peptides from dietary protein or supplements play a crucial role in regulating microbes to maintain gut health.
“The gut plays a central role in digestion, immune function and even mental health,” says Satchithanantham. “A healthy gut is home to a diverse microbiome of beneficial bacteria that help break down food, produce essential nutrients, and protect against harmful pathogens.”
To maintain balanced gut health, experts suggest increasing the amount of fibre in your diet and ensuring you get enough prebiotics and probiotics which are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fermented products like kimchi.
“A healthy gut helps your body absorb nutrients efficiently leading to better digestion and less bloating or discomfort. It also helps the body defend itself against infections,” says Elhourani.
“A healthy gut can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it can also improve skin health and certain issues like acne or eczema.”
Camel milk and climate change
Cattle are known to be the number one agricultural source of greenhouse gases worldwide. According to the University of California, Davis Department of Animal Science, one cow can produce around 100 kilograms of methane each year. The gas is 28 times more potent in warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
As the Earth’s temperature rises, camels may hold the key to providing an alternative to cow’s milk thanks to their ability to survive in hotter, drier environments.
“Camel milk is gaining global attention, in part because of environmental conditions,” said Mohittige. “Arid or semi-arid areas can be challenging for traditional cattle farming, but perfect for camels.”
Adds Elhourani: “Some people choose to reduce or eliminate dairy due to cultural or ethical or even religious beliefs. With the rise of plant-based milks many people find these options suit their taste preferences, dietary needs, or lifestyle. They also often have a lower environmental impact than cow's milk.”
