Camel vs Cow vs Goat Milk: Best for Diabetes

In a recent review published in Nutrients, a group of authors examined the nutritional and therapeutic qualities of camel milk (CAM), cow milk (COM), and goat milk (GOM), with an emphasis on their uses in diabetes and cardiovascular disease management.

Background

CVD is a prominent cause of death worldwide, particularly among those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, where the presence of CVD roughly doubles mortality rates and reduces life expectancy by about 12 years.

In 2019, CVD was responsible for 32% of global deaths, largely from heart attacks and strokes. The global prevalence of diabetes has roughly doubled in the last three decades.

Nutrition is critical in the prevention of chronic diseases, and CAM, which contains insulin-like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, has the potential to treat diabetes and CVD. More research is needed to understand its mechanisms.

The nutritional value of CAM

CAM is a staple meal in the Arabian Gulf and other desert locations, prized for its capacity to withstand severe conditions as well as its economic significance. CAM, sometimes known as “white desert gold,” is an important dietary component because of its unique composition and medicinal capabilities.

It includes bioactive elements such as insulin-like proteins, minerals, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids, all of which have the potential to improve health, particularly in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Therapeutic benefits of CAM

Recent studies have highlighted CAM’s hypoglycemic properties, which aid in diabetic treatment. Unlike COM, CAM contains bioactive components that may lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, so helping diabetics.

CAM’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering characteristics make it very beneficial to cardiovascular health.

Compared to COM and GOM, CAM’s composition–particularly its low lactose content and abundance of insulin-like proteins–gives it a distinct advantage in supporting metabolic health, particularly in diabetics.

Comparative nutritional profiles of CAM, COM, GOM

While COM and GOM are nutritionally beneficial, their effects on metabolic health differ. The greater lactose content of COM may not be suitable for diabetic people, as it can cause blood sugar levels to rise.

GOM, on the other hand, is well-known for its digestibility and antihypertensive characteristics, making it ideal for persons who are lactose intolerant or have high blood pressure.

CAM has a balanced spectrum of vital nutrients, with particular benefits for glycemic control, cardiovascular health, and even anti-inflammatory qualities, making it an excellent choice for chronic disease management.

CAM’s role in managing diabetes and cardiovascular health

The nature of CAM, particularly its insulin-like proteins, provides significant benefits for glycemic management, assisting diabetes patients in managing blood sugar levels. These proteins function similarly to insulin, boosting glucose absorption while reducing blood glucose.

CAM has a significant impact on cardiovascular health because it includes antioxidants that protect the circulatory system by lowering oxidative stress.

As a result, CAM can help reduce the risk factors linked with CVD, making it an important dietary alternative for patients suffering from metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Other health benefits and unique properties

CAM’s medicinal potential includes antibacterial characteristics that are good to immunological health. CAM contains a variety of bioactive proteins, including lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins, which have immunomodulatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and improve immunological responses.

Furthermore, these antibacterial ingredients contribute to CAM’s longer shelf life than COM, making it especially helpful in dry and isolated places where refrigeration may be limited. These components also defend against infections, demonstrating CAM’s versatility as a nutritious and health-promoting meal.

Advantages of CAM in infancy and childhood

CAM provides extra benefits to newborns and young children by supplying critical nutrients that promote growth and immunological development. Its composition matches human milk more closely than COM, particularly in its lack of β-lactoglobulin, a protein commonly associated with milk allergies.

Lactose-intolerant children may find CAM a safer alternative due to its lower lactose concentration, which reduces digestive difficulties. CAM’s digestibility and hypoallergenic characteristics make it an excellent alternative for young children who have special dietary concerns.

GOM as a digestible alternative

While CAM offers several distinct advantages, GOM also plays an important role in therapeutic nutrition. GOM is well-known for its digestibility, and it contains antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory characteristics that help with cardiovascular health and metabolism.

GOM contains bioactive peptides and medium-chain fatty acids, which help to improve insulin sensitivity. Its decreased lactose level improves digestibility, making it an excellent choice for people who have mild lactose sensitivity.

Conclusions

To summarize, this study focuses on the benefits of CAM, COM, and GOM for managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and CVD.

CAM, with its insulin-like proteins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, improves blood glucose control and cardiovascular health, particularly in people with diabetes or lactose intolerance.

GOM, which is high in bioactive peptides and low in lactose, helps with cholesterol and blood pressure management, helping CVD and hypertensive patients.

Although COM’s increased lactose level may limit its use by diabetics, its calcium and protein content make it good for cardiovascular health.

For more information: Almasri RS, Bedir AS, Ranneh YK, et al. (2024) Benefits of Camel Milk over Cow and Goat Milk for Infant and Adult Health in Fighting Chronic Diseases: A Review. Nutrients. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223848. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/22/3848