Benefits of Camel Milk: Low Allergen Alternative to Dairy

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The benefits of camel milk for allergies - autoimmune disease- autism and diabetes
Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Benefits of Camel Milk: Low Allergen Alternative to Dairy

Several years ago I was at a conference, and during one of the breaks, I noticed they had camel milk as one of the refreshments on hand (along with water, coffee, kombucha, and paleo snacks).

I was slightly taken aback, as I can count on one hand the number of actual camels I’ve seen in my lifetime (only at the zoo), and the thought of drinking camel milk had never crossed my mind before seeing the bottles they had at the refreshment stand that day.

So of course, I had to research it to find out about any potential health benefits. And what I found out is VERY interesting!

Camel milk is unique in its potential ability to help with allergies and autism, to mitigate autoimmune disease and diabetes, and for heart and immune health. It has even been used around the world as a supplement to breastmilk!

Sound crazy?

I thought so too, but it turns out that the milk from a camel is an entirely different animal (pun intended) than milk from a cow or a goat.

Here’s why:

Cows, goats, and other similar animals are hoofed animals. Camels have toes (only two, made of a single bone) and both their foot structure and the proteins in their milk are dramatically different than milk from hoofed animals.

To make things slightly more confusing, camels ruminate but are not considered ruminants. As unique as camels are, their milk is even more so.

What Makes Camel Milk Different?

I started researching this and was absolutely fascinated by the research on camel milk and how it is different from other types of milk.

Protein Structure

For one thing, camel milk does not contain the same proteins that people are often allergic to in cow’s milk. It does not contain A1 casein and lactoglobulin and is usually well tolerated by those with dairy allergies.

Gram for gram, it has about the same amount of protein and carbohydrates as regular cows milk, but impacts blood sugar differently.

Fat Content

This is one area where camel and cow milk differ greatly. Camels produce milk that is naturally low in fat (only 2-3%).

Also unlike cow milk, the fats produced by camels in their milk are completely homogenized naturally occurring Omega-3 fatty acids. This means that camel milk can be frozen and thawed without changing consistency. It also will not curdle or clot like cows milk.

Unique Properties

  • Camels produce a very unique milk that has some rare beneficial properties. For one thing, it is high in potent immunoglobulins, powerful immune-boosting substances. The immunoglobulins in camel milk are smaller than human immunoglobulins and can more easily pass into tissues in the body.
  • Researchers still don’t completely understand why, but these tiny immunoglobulins may be the reason for camel milk’s popularity in helping lessen problems like autoimmune disease, allergies, and even autism.
  • This milk is also high in insulin, which improves its absorption and makes it suitable for diabetics.
  • Research has also found protective proteins in camel’s milk that may be antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.
  • Though it isn’t a spectacular source, it also contains much more iron and vitamin c than cow’s milk.

Similar to Human Breastmilk

Camel milk is nutritionally more similar to human breastmilk than to regular dairy milk. For this reason, it has been used around the world as a supplement or replacement for breast milk in cases when mom was unable to nurse or baby needed extra milk.

Better for the Environment

Consider the natural habitat of camels. They survive with relatively little water and plant life for long periods of time. For this reason, camels need much less grazing area and can produce milk with a lower environmental impact.

Long History of Use

While the idea of drinking milk from a camel may seem strange to those of us who grew up in the west, cultures around the world have consumed it for thousands of years.

Camels are important to various cultures, especially in the middle east, for their ability to survive and even travel long distances with very little water. Camels can thrive even in areas where horses and cows would have trouble surviving at all.

Benefits of Camel Milk

These unique properties of camels make their milk beneficial to humans in several ways. In researching, I was amazed at the initial studies and anecdotal reports from people who had seen near miraculous recoveries with camel milk.

Help for Diabetes

Studies show that camel’s milk may be very beneficial for those with diabetes. Unlike other kinds of milk, it shouldn’t cause a rise in blood sugar, but the benefits extend beyond that. In fact, some researchers are even using this milk to reduce the amount of insulin needed:

Camel milk has been shown, said the review’s senior author, Dr Uma S Dubey, of BITS Pilani’s Rajasthan campus, to be effective in reducing the level of glycosylated or glycated haemoglobin in the blood. This is haemoglobin to which glucose is attached, and is typically found at high levels in people with diabetes. Camel milk can therefore be used to reduce the dose of insulin that diabetes patients require.

The same review article, published in the Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, entitled Therapeutic Potential of Camel Milk, by researchers from India’s Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, notes that there are also much lower rates of diabetes in areas where camel milk is a staple.

Another 2005 study out of India looked at camel dairy and its effects on Type 1 diabetes. This study found that regular consumption of camel milk reduced the amount of insulin needed and improved long-term blood sugar control.

Immune Boost

Camel’s milk contains many of the same immune-protecting substances as human milk. It can be an effective supplement to breastmilk for this reason.

It contains high levels of immunoglobulin A and beneficial enzymes like lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, which are helpful to the body in fighting infection.

Alleviate Allergies

Perhaps the most notable potential benefit of this unique milk is its effect in those with allergies.

Not only is it considered a good dairy alternative for allergic individuals, but there is some research indicating that it may actually help reverse allergies.

Surprised? I was too:

As I mentioned, this milk lacks A1 casein and lactoglobulin present in cow’s milk which often cause allergic reactions. There have also been studies showing that camel milk may even reduce allergies due to its immune benefits.

In fact, one 2005 study in the Journal of the Israel Medical Association investigated the effects of camel milk on children with severe allergies who didn’t respond to other treatments. Researchers had these children consume camel milk under the care of their medical team. They observed the results, which were even more astounding than expected.

Amazingly, all of the children recovered from their allergies according to the reports in the study. Additional study is needed, but the researchers in that study claimed that camel milk was more effective than medical treatments in those particular cases with no observed side effects.

This shows tremendous potential as a hope for those struggling with life-threatening allergies.

Heart and Blood Health

The monounsaturated fats (especially oleic acid) present in camel milk give it some of the same benefits as olive oil. It also contains A2 beta-casein, which is different than the A1 casein found in most dairy milk. (A2 casein is present in goat milk as well, which is why some people who cannot handle cow dairy can handle goat-based products.)

The A2 beta-casein in camel milk may be partially responsible for the heart and immune protective effects. From Live Science:

A1 beta casein is broken down into an opioid-like peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). BCM-7 has been shown to suppress the immune system, cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to arterial plague formation, according to Lori Chong, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It has been implicated in the development of Type 1 diabetes — probably related to its immune suppression and role in GI tract inflammation.”

Other research indicates that the unique fatty acid profile in milk from camels is more beneficial to the heart and to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Autism Connection

There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence and stories from people who have used camel dairy in cases of autism.

This article delves into the potential ways that camel dairy products may help against autism. In short, some researchers believe that autism is similar to autoimmune disease in that the body attacks its own healthy cells.

Whatever the cause, there are many anecdotal accounts of recovery and entire online groups dedicated to its use.

“Dr. Jodie Dashore, a mom and doctor, heard about the milk from Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, a highly regarded neurobiologist who treated her son Brian’s autism. In 2011, when Brian started consuming camel milk, his motor tics initially became three or four times worse—a “healing crisis,” Dashore says, as the milk killed off harmful bacteria. But after two weeks, they started to drop off. The milk also seemed to clear up a host of Brian’s other maladies, from hives to mobility difficulties, caused by an autoimmune disorder (most autism patients have other simultaneous ailments according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). It also eased Brian’s digestive pains and helped him gain weight, common issues in autistic children.

Other reports are equally amazing. A 2005 study in the International Journal of Human Development watched autistic patients who started consuming camel dairy instead of cow dairy and found:

  • A 4-year-old girl noticed a complete disappearance of autism symptoms in 40 days
  • A 15-year-old boy noticed recovery after only a month
  • Multiple other patients were noticeably better after only two weeks

Of course, much more research is needed to understand the way that camel dairy products may help with autism, but the initial evidence is definitely encouraging.

Autoimmune Disease Help

As mentioned, there are researchers that believe that autism is similar to autoimmune disease. This connection may also be why some people have seen improvement from autoimmunity with camel milk.

It is generally understood that autoimmune disease is a scenario in which the immune system mistakenly attacks part of the body, thinking that healthy cells are foreign or harmful antigens. Conventional treatments for autoimmune disease often include immune-suppressing drugs that have substantial side effects.

Camel dairy, on the other hand, contains those potent but tiny immunoglobulins that may penetrate cells and help improve the immune system while targeting only harmful antigens.

In fact, Dr. Reuven Yagil, an Israeli physiology professor who is considered an expert on Camel milk and its benefits, explains that in his years of research he has seen patients control or even reverse autoimmune disease with camel milk.

On a personal note, this was how I found research on the benefits of camel milk and I am personally testing it for my own Hashimotos (I’ll update you with the results).

Risks and Dangers of Camel Milk?

Often, something that seems too good to be true really is. In this case, I’m yet to find the downside. As I said, more research is needed, but I couldn’t find any downsides of drinking this unusual milk.

In fact, I didn’t find any cases of allergic reactions or harmful side effects. In my limited personal testing, I haven’t noticed any negative effects, even though I often react to regular dairy.

The one downside, unfortunately, is the price. As you may imagine, camel dairies are not very popular in this part of the world, and limited access means higher costs.

Where to Get Camel Milk

You won’t find camel milk on the dairy aisle of a regular grocery store. Some health food stores are starting to carry it, but it can be difficult to find a good source.

Since this milk is not from a hoofed animal, it isn’t regulated by the same laws, and it is available online and can be shipped in many places.

The best (and least expensive) source I’ve found for camel milk is the Desert Farms brand which is available for shipping anywhere in the continental US and Canada. In fact, after researching camel milk and where to purchase it, I negotiated a 15% discount from them (code: MAMACAMEL) and am personally testing this for my own autoimmune disease. A friend is also testing for her child with severe allergies.

What does it taste like?

I found the taste closest to cow’s milk to any alternative milk I’ve tried. It is a little sweeter but not overly earthy or grassy like stronger-flavored goat milk.

My kids all liked it, even the ones who don’t prefer coconut or almond milk.

If you are curious and would like to try camel milk, Desert Farms has offered to send you four bottles for free! You simply pay the shipping and handling fee. Find their free offer here.

Camel Milk: Bottom Line

This “new” milk to us in the western world has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world. Camels are unique animals and have unique milk that may benefit diabetics, autistic patients, and those with autoimmune disease.

I was also unable to find any negative side effects of camel milk (other than the price) and am willing to become my own guinea pig to test its benefits (or lack thereof).

Your turn! Have you ever heard of camel milk? Grossed out or intrigued?

Benefits of Camel Milk

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

177 responses to “Benefits of Camel Milk: Low Allergen Alternative to Dairy”

  1. Hayley Avatar

    My Peditrician is recommending I start my just turned one year old on milk. I’m not a big fan of dairy so I’m looking for an alternative. She is not a fan of almond or coconut milk as a sunstitute so I’m on the hunt for something else. Do you think camels milk would be a good alternative? I’m currently weaning so I would like another milk source on board.
    Thank you and I’m a big fan ?

  2. Cientxa Avatar

    I am trying to find out if camel milk contains histamine. Have not found any thing that refers to it’s affecting those with histamine intolerance.

  3. Jessica Avatar

    Can this be used as a breastmilk replacement before 1 year old? Or would you need to add to it for proper nutrition?

      1. Marsha Avatar

        You could use it to supplement while breastfeeding, and you can also use it to make the Weston Price Homemade Formula that contains all the nutrients your baby would need.

  4. Sammi Avatar

    I am trying it now because i seem to have an actual allery to cow, goat, and sheeps dairy. I also have autoimmune disorder, cant gain weight, and recurrent virus. I have only tried 3 times so far, the first just about 3 drops. So far so good much to my surprise. Cant tell if am a little itchy
    Tried the homogonized. Shipped across country in hot weather. Arrived hot and wondered if it would kill me…so i boiled it for 20 minutes. Tastewise my experience first tine was different than the second and third time. Smelled like nuts. First taste tho seemed acrid like goat and nutty and then noticed a sweetbess. But second and third time only noticed the sweetness. I love the consistency- very cream and rich

    . Id like to know how others say they just take a bit out of freezer for next days use. It gets frozen solid so how do u remove some? I tried with a spoon but too solid for that.
    Not sure how i will order regularly. Minimum shipment is at least 4 bottles maybe more and i like things very fresh. In addition the 3 day fed ex they use is expensive too. Would like to try raw if safe to ship and wish soneone gad yogurt. They have kefir but i prefer not to have yeast.

    Ps i am itchy now but dont know if from that. If it is, i can live with this side effect

  5. Ericka Redic Avatar
    Ericka Redic

    Hey Wellness Mama!

    So what do you think so far? It’s been a couple of months…

    I am so curious. I have autoimmune/leaky gut/allergies/////… everyone’s posts have made me want to try this stuff

  6. Anna Avatar

    Where do you use the coupon code. There isn’t an area on their website for the code

  7. Kathi Avatar

    I’ve been using this for my son with autism for about 5 months….he’s been on every diet (SCD, GAPs, BED, Low thiol, oxalate, phenol…you name it) and his gut is SO much better than it was years ago, but not totally healed. This has helped a lot and I’m slowly increasing. Be wise to start low and go slow, it does cause some herx reactions. There’s a whole FB page on it for support (more than one actually). Research tons to know if you have any local farms. Desert Farms is good, but they use several different farms around the midwest/west and I’ve gotten a bad batch. They are good to work with, but be sure you know the farm they are dealing with and their testing practices to ensure you are getting clean, good, raw milk. To get more studies (tons on Pubmed)…go to PM and type in autism and camel milk or autism and MS, etc etc. I’ve been reading and studying it for almost a year and I’m so glad we tried it; absolutely no downside. BUT don’t be surprised if your kiddo or you feel crappy a little…it’ll pick back up. It’s an amazing ‘food.’ It’s amazing how God gave us all we need to thrive; we just have to keep researching what works for us.

  8. madhavi Avatar

    hi my son was diagnosed with regressive autism at 4 (pdd nos) his dan doc found leaky gut heavy metail toxicity mercury and lead and also high arabinose hphpa age at 5 we put him on supplements and did oral chelation( metal free spray) at age 5 his spech developed and improved .but in the past three years he had several attacks of pandas(strp) i think i tested positive during pregnancy now he is being treated for growth harmone deficiency and having nordotropin shots over the past month he is almost 13 .i started camels milk 35 days ago he is doing ok on it but his tics frequent urination ocd anxiety attacks aggression has incresed shld i try donkeys milk will that be better (i think he had a couple of strep attack over the past 3 years also lung congestion(pnemonia) maybe 3 attacks of whooping cough at age 7 9 and 10 constant cold and viral bacterial infections

  9. Lora Avatar

    I ordered this after reading your post about its benefits. Sounded amazing. I found it to have a fishy/sweaty taste that was awful. Thankfully I used a coupon code and only paid the $29.99 shipping for the sample box. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the three other bottles, but just felt like I should give people a heads up that it might be an acquired taste (that I don’t plan to acquire).

  10. Barry Avatar

    Hi Katie,

    I am a practitioner that has utilized Camel’s Milk for my patients for years. It has been nothing short of amazing and can be used for so many different conditions.

  11. Patra Avatar

    So you mention that your baby is 6 months old, this means it could be cradle crap, usually babies get rid of this condition after 8 months or has your doctor already dxed him with Ecezema?

    If your doctor dxed him as having Ecezema, then is your milk his only source of food? If so, then yes, he could be reacting to your breast milk. I would do a trial & error test by stopping to eat any wheat byproducts, and see how he reacts after about 2 weeks, if he’s still reacting then eliminate eggs, avoid eating nuts of any kind, eat organic fruits and vegetables, but avoid broccoli because it’s also colicky. As for the camels milk, I would suggest you try 1/3cp camel milk and 2/3cp water to see how he reacts. If he doesn’t react to it, then up it after a week to 1/2cp of camel’s milk and 1/2cp water and keep it that way until he’s you see he is doing better then try 2/3’s camels milk and 1/3cp of water, and continue from there. Ecezema is a severe type of inflammation to the skin, that can be caused by an allergic reaction to most likely food. My niece had severe Ecezema as a baby, even while breast feeding her, turned out she was allergic to a cornucopia of foods. Her mom didn’t know this until she was 3 years old, when she gave her an egg and her skin grew welts and her Ecezema worsened. She took her to the doctor and had her tested for just about every food group and found she was allergic to a lot of foods. Once this was determined, she eliminated all the foods she was allergic to, and her severe horrible Ecezema slowly disappeared.

    I found this in a medical journal that I copied & pasted it below.

    Food allergies
    If babies are exposed to certain types of food at a young age, they may be more likely to develop food allergies. This occurs when the child’s immune system overreacts to proteins in certain foods called allergens. Allergy symptoms may range from mild to severe. The most severe reaction, called anaphylaxis can be potentially life threatening. The most dangerous symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing, shock, and loss of consciousness, all of which can be fatal.
    Low-dose exposure to peanut protein or peanut oil products may cause peanut allergies in children, according to one study. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children do not eat peanuts or peanut-containing products until they are three years old, if they have experienced allergies to other foods. Strawberries should also be avoided until the baby is about 10-12 months old.
    Children whose mothers have food allergies are more likely to inherit the allergy if they are born by cesarean section (surgical delivery of the baby, also called C-section), according to one study. One study of children with allergic mothers who had C-section deliveries found that the babies were seven times more likely to develop food allergies than predisposed children who were born vaginally.

    Hope this helps.

  12. Danni Avatar

    Someone else already asked, but I will ask again in desperate hopes that Katie, or someone who knows sees this: Can Camels milk be used in the WAP formulas?
    We have done it all for my 6 month old and he just seems to keep getting worse. I am so so desperate.

    1. Patra Avatar

      Danni, are you referring to feeding your baby raw milk and is getting worse? Not sure but maybe I can help.

      1. Danni Avatar

        Sorry I wasn’t clear. I have tried many elimination diets for myself breastfeeding and nothing seems to be helping his skin. I am on countless eczema support groups and I have tried everything under the sun. We did get our camel’s milk in the mail yesterday. My husband and I are suspicious that he is reacting to my milk even with strict eliminations. I need to eat too. I would do anything for my baby, but I need to be functioning.
        I was wondering if the camel’s milk doesn’t seem to bother him if it would be an option to make formula out of for him?

        1. Taylor Avatar

          My baby is allergic to dairy and we suspect soy. We eliminate exposure to those as well as do the following: Try putting a couple of tablespoons of organic bone broth (we get the 8 oz Pacific Organic brand which is available in most grocery stores and keep in the refrigerator until used up) in his bottle daily. It has a healing effect on the lining of the stomach and greatly helps reducing the inflammatory eczema patches. Put a little Breast milk on the eczema as well. This helped clear my baby’s up. He still will have an occasional flare but he is pretty much clear most of the time.
          My baby is two and still wants his bottle of breastmilk (I get it from a friend because I’m unable to pump). It is so good for him and helps him recover from allergies, illness, etc much faster. I am trying the camel milk now to see if he will drink it and if if helps him avoid the eczema flares. I have very high hopes for it!

  13. Sara Avatar

    Any updates on how this has helped (cured) your autoimmune disease? It seems like it is supposed to work very quickly…

  14. Megan Avatar

    I am concerned about the insulin in the milk. It may be good for diabetics but what about the rest of us? Or how about people who tend to be hypoglycemic? Or like me who has adrenal problems and my blood sugar tends to run low. I just feel a little skittish about consuming insulin. No one seems to be talking about this.

    1. Paul Avatar

      Camel milk is a natural insulin and natural iron which is much different then a medicine but diet should be adjusted and monitored just like any major change. Its a milk that has been used for drinking much longer than cow milk without the problems many have with cow milk. If a person gets extra bowel movement from camel milk, great, its healing the gut and body. If you seeing a doctor, keep him/her informed but this is not a medicine but healthy milk. The benifits are proven by testimony so its worth a try. We sell it, drink it and love it.

  15. tico Avatar

    i have been trying to find if God gave any guidelines to food which would be beneficial to our health. good arguments have been made that even though as christians we rest in Jesus, there is still good reason to Follow Gods law, and that they are not deemed irrelevant after Jesus came. that being said, is there potentially a reason not to drink camel milk, since camel is a no no in the torah, and ultimately could be harmful to us if God said not to eat their meat?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      I’m not Jewish so I don’t follow that philosophy of eating, and if you read Acts 10:15, it says:

      The voice spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.”

  16. Shannon Avatar

    I purchased 4 8ounce bottles of raw camel’s milk from Desert Farms and finished the last today. Now awaiting a 12 pint delivery. I was so excited to try it for the first time that I couldn’t wait for it to thaw fully. The initial taste proved salty and a bit grassy. After, I waited until the milk was fully thawed. Now I love the taste; it’s not salty or grassy at all. I react to dairy protein and was anxious to ingest camel milk when neither goat’s or sheep’s milk were tolerated. Turns out none of the symptoms from cow’s milk occurred. I have however, had one migraine and a few minor pains in my stomach which may be attributed to die off (hopefully). Also constipation has been an issue. I’ll try a different source as was encouraged by another commenter. Thanks for the tip!

  17. Carla Avatar

    I would love to give this to my two year old, but I am hesitant. He had severe colitis from a milk reaction at 13 months. He also has several food allergies…

  18. zeyad Avatar

    I’ve been reading a bout the benefits for camel milk for 6 months tell now actually I named it ( white gold) all reasarchs said it can help alot for autism, immune system,diabetes 2
    cancer.
    i drink every morning camel milk powder mixed with 250ml cold water its little bit salty because contains minerals and he is excellent for the skin, he’s contain gamma protine that’s why u can feel innerpeace after you drink it I advice every body drink it .

    1. Dina Mois Avatar
      Dina Mois

      Talking about inner peace, i feel calm & happy after consume the camel milk. Seems my mood swing getting better.

      More energy, less hunger, less craving, less eating & better sleep. ???

  19. Karin Avatar

    There are many products made from Camel Milk including a new skincare range SKINUE. They are great for treating acne however they are rich in moisturising benefits and can be used on any skin type for any age group.

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