Camel Milk Benefits: Are They Real or All Hype?

Gone are the days when the only options for milk were full-fat, skim or non-fat. Today, there’s a plethora of milk options available to consumers, from cow milk and goat milk to almond and coconut milk. Now there’s a new type of milk that’s attracting attention: camel milk.

Actually, calling it “new” is a bit of a misnomer. Nomadic cultures across Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia have consumed camel milk since they figured out how to milk camels several thousand years ago. (By the way, if you follow a kosher diet, camel milk is a no-no because the camel is considered ritually unclean for chewing the cud without its hooves being divided.)

A drink that’s long been available in North Africa and the Middle East, camel milk is now gaining global attention for its impressive nutritional profile and potential health benefits. From supporting immune function to aiding digestive health, camel milk is quickly becoming a sought-after superfood.

Its proponents say that camel milk benefits make it a superior drink than other types of milk, but is it real or all just a lot of hype? Let’s dig in to camel milk nutrition facts, key camel milk benefits, potential downsides and how to use it in your daily routine.

Nutrition facts

For starters, camel milk is lower in calories and saturated fat than cow’s milk. Camel milk also is substantially higher in vitamin B3, iron and vitamin C than cow’s milk and has less lactose in it, so some people who can’t tolerate cow’s milk tend to digest camel’s milk better.

In the U.S., there are only a handful of brands selling camel’s milk. Much of the milk is produced by Amish farmers, who have camel herds and sell the milk through cooperatives.

Camel milk is packed with essential nutrients, offering a unique composition compared to cow’s milk or plant-based milk alternatives.

While the exact nutritional profile can vary based on the brand or source, an eight-ounce glass of camel milk contains approximately:

• Calories: 110
• Total Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Total Fat: 4.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Thiamine: 0.8 mg (67% DV*)
• Calcium: 390 mg (30% DV)
• Riboflavin: 0.3 mg (23% DV)
• Iron: 1.8 mg (10% DV)
• Potassium: 282 mg (6% DV)
• Phosphorus: 75 mg (6% DV)
• Vitamin C: 4.5 mg (5% DV)

*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

What makes camel milk stand out is its high level of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and lysozymes, bioactive compounds that support immune health. It also contains insulin-like proteins, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Camel milk benefits

1. Supports immune health

Camel milk contains powerful antimicrobial and antiviral proteins, like lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA) and vitamin C, that may help protect the body from harmful pathogens. These natural immune boosters can be particularly helpful for people with weakened immune systems.

These components also contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, potentially offering therapeutic value for diseases caused by inflammation, oxidative stress and immune dysregulation.

For instance, in a study where hepatitis C-infected patients consumed camel milk daily for four months, 76.5 percent of participants exhibited a marked decrease in viral load. The study also noted a shift in the IgG isotype profile towards a Th1 immune response, indicating enhanced antiviral immunity.

Camel milk contains unique, small-sized immunoglobulins, often referred to as nanobodies. Due to their size and structure, these nanobodies can penetrate dense tissues more effectively, potentially offering novel therapeutic avenues for autoimmune and neurological conditions.

These studies suggest that camel milk’s unique composition may offer supportive benefits to the human immune system. However, it’s essential to note that while these findings are promising, further large-scale and long-term studies are necessary to fully understand and confirm the extent of these benefits.

2. May help manage diabetes

Some studies have suggested that camel milk can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Its natural insulin-like proteins make it a promising supplement for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, though it should not replace prescribed medications.

A comprehensive analysis of 14 randomized, controlled trials involving 663 participants found that camel milk consumption significantly reduced HbA1c levels by an average of 1.24 percent and decreased daily insulin doses by approximately 16.72 units. The effects were more pronounced with long-term consumption (over six months), and both fresh and treated forms of camel milk were effective.

Another crossover study involving adults with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that camel milk consumption led to significant reductions in fasting blood sugar, postprandial glucose levels, HbA1c and insulin resistance. These findings suggest that camel milk may improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

In a 16-week, randomized study with young type 1 diabetic patients, daily intake of camel milk, alongside standard care, resulted in significant improvements in fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and C-peptide levels, indicating enhanced endogenous insulin secretion. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in daily insulin requirements.

That’s not all. A two-year, randomized, controlled trial found that camel milk supplementation in type 1 diabetic patients led to sustained improvements in blood glucose levels, HbA1c and a significant reduction in insulin doses, with some participants achieving insulin independence.

Finally, a study focusing on type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy reported that camel milk consumption over six months significantly reduced microalbuminuria levels and insulin requirements, suggesting potential renal protective effects in diabetic individuals.

The beneficial effects of camel milk in diabetes management may be attributed to its unique composition, including insulin-like proteins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Some studies have suggested that these components may enhance insulin receptor activity and improve glucose uptake, although the exact mechanisms remain under investigation.

While these findings are promising, further large-scale and long-term studies are necessary to fully understand and confirm the extent of camel milk benefits in diabetes management.

3. Aids digestion and gut health

Camel milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk due to its lower lactose content and different protein structure. It’s often tolerated by people with lactose intolerance or mild dairy sensitivities.

Studies comparing camel milk to bovine and human milk have found that camel milk proteins are equally digestible under simulated infant gastrointestinal conditions. Camel milk contains bioactive peptides with potential anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to gut health as well.

The bioactive peptides and antibodies in camel milk may support gut health by influencing the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating the host’s immune function and protecting against pathogens. Fermented camel milk products, in particular, have been shown to increase microbiome diversity and may support gut health.

Camel milk’s hypoallergenic properties may benefit individuals with certain digestive sensitivities as well. For example, it lacks β-lactoglobulin, a protein associated with cow milk allergies, making it a potential alternative for those with sensitivities.

4. Holds anti-inflammatory properties

Regular consumption of camel milk may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially easing symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis or autoimmune diseases.

A 2024 review article highlighted camel milk’s efficacy in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for inflammatory rheumatic disorders. The study emphasized camel milk’s anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory capabilities, suggesting its role as a functional food in managing such conditions.

Another prospective study involving 25 Egyptian patients with hepatitis C revealed that daily consumption of camel milk for 60 days, alongside standard treatment, significantly reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), hyaluronic acid and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Additionally, there was a notable increase in anti-inflammatory markers like interleukin-10 (IL-10) and total antioxidant capacity, suggesting camel milk’s potential in modulating inflammatory responses in these patients.

These studies suggest that camel milk’s unique composition may offer supportive benefits in managing inflammation. However, it’s essential to note that while these findings are promising, further large-scale and long-term studies are necessary to fully understand and confirm the extent of these benefits.

5. May encourage skin and allergy relief

Preliminary evidence and anecdotal reports have found that camel milk may help reduce symptoms of eczema, food allergies and other skin conditions, especially in children. This is likely due to its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects.

A prospective cohort study conducted between 2007 and 2010 evaluated the safety of camel milk consumption in children with confirmed cow’s milk allergy. The study found that 80 percent of participants had negative skin-prick tests (SPTs) to camel milk, and those with negative SPTs consumed camel milk without any adverse reactions.

This indicates that camel milk can serve as a safe alternative for children who are allergic to cow’s milk, potentially alleviating allergic skin manifestations such as urticaria and atopic dermatitis.

Camel milk also contains various bioactive components that may contribute to skin health, including exosomes, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Camel milk-derived exosomes (EXOs) are rich in proteins, lipids and RNAs, which can modulate immune responses and reduce oxidative stress. These properties suggest potential benefits in treating skin conditions and promoting wound healing. The presence of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in camel milk may help in reducing skin inflammation and oxidative damage as well, contributing to overall skin health.

6. Provides wealth of nutrients

Camel milk is high in essential vitamins and minerals, like calcium, iron and B vitamins. It’s a nutritious option for those looking to boost their overall health, particularly in regions where nutrient deficiencies are common.

7. May help with brain conditions

Some small studies and anecdotal reports have explored camel milk’s potential to support individuals with neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While more research is needed, parents and caregivers have reported improvements in behavior, communication and focus after introducing camel milk into the diet.

These effects may be linked to camel milk’s anti-inflammatory properties and unique protein structure.

A double-blind study involving autistic children demonstrated that consuming camel milk for two weeks significantly reduced serum levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), a marker associated with immune response. Additionally, improvements were observed in the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores, suggesting potential benefits of camel milk in modulating immune responses in ASD.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed camel milk’s effectiveness in improving symptoms in children with ASD. While the primary outcome measures showed no significant statistical difference, qualitative analyses indicated that camel milk consumption led to increased levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers.

These findings suggest potential benefits of camel milk in modulating inflammatory responses associated with ASD, though it’s important to note more research is needed to understand and confirm these camel milk benefits for those with autism and other brain conditions.

Potential downsides

While camel milk offers many benefits, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks:

• Cost and availability: Camel milk is more expensive than cow’s milk and can be hard to find in some regions.
• Taste and texture: The slightly salty and earthy flavor may be unfamiliar to new consumers.
• Allergic reactions: Though rare, some individuals may still react to camel milk proteins.
• Lack of widespread research: While early studies are promising, more large-scale, human-based research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of camel milk consumption.
• May not be pasteurized: In some regions, camel milk is sold raw or unpasteurized, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
• May pose ethical concerns: Camel farming practices vary, and concerns have been raised about animal welfare and environmental sustainability. It’s important to source camel milk from farms that prioritize ethical treatment and responsible production.

How to use

Incorporating camel milk into your diet is simple. Here are a few easy ways to use it:

• Drink it straight: Enjoy it cold or warm as a daily beverage.
• Blend it into smoothies: Combine camel milk with fruits, greens and protein powder for a nutritious shake.
• Use in coffee or tea: It froths well and adds a creamy texture to hot drinks.
• Cook with it: Substitute camel milk in recipes that call for regular milk, such as pancakes, oatmeal or baked goods.
• Try fermented options: Camel milk yogurt and kefir are becoming more widely available.

If you can get your hands on camel’s milk, it’s worth a try. It tastes similar to cow’s milk, but with a saltier taste.

It might be difficult, though, as camel’s milk is still relatively difficult to come by in the U.S. and the price tag is very high.

One area to try out camel’s milk is in beauty products. There are lots of natural health and beauty lines that are adding camel’s milk to their products.

Because camels don’t produce as much milk daily as cows do, it tends to be quite rich in skin-loving ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins that leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Conclusion

• Camel milk is more than a traditional beverage. It’s a nutrient-rich drink with a growing body of research supporting its health benefits.
• From boosting immunity to improving digestive health and possibly supporting blood sugar control, the advantages of camel milk are hard to ignore.
• Whether you’re curious about alternative dairy options or searching for functional foods with real health impact, camel milk is worth a try.
• However, it’s important to note that it is expensive and could be difficult to find. Plus, some people may still be allergic or sensitive to this type of milk.
• As with any new food, consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns or specific health conditions.