Goat Milk Revealed Why It Outshines Cow’s Milk for Babies Adults and the Elderly
Goat milk is a valuable dietary product. By many metrics it surpasses cow’s milk. It benefits newborns, adults, and the elderly. How goat milk differs from cow’s milk — let’s look in detail.
In This Article:
Goat Milk Is Closest to Mother’s Milk in Composition
Undoubtedly, the most beneficial for a newborn is maternal milk. Breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life lays the foundation for health. Pediatricians recommend continuing to breastfeed after introducing complementary foods, up to age 1.5–2 years. In cases where for some reason breastfeeding is impossible, infants are bottle-fed with formulas. Research by Spanish scientists has demonstrated the benefits of goat milk for infant feeding, which led to the creation of baby lines such as Mamako and Nanny. Goat milk is closest in composition to maternal milk. Even the principle of milk secretion in goats and humans is the same — apocrine. In simple terms, when milk is produced there is partial damage to the surface of the cell, through which biologically active substances enter the milk. By contrast, cow milk secretion occurs by a different type — merocrine — where the secretory cell surface remains intact.
Animal Milk Differs from Breast Milk in Protein, Minerals and Ratios
Here it is important to note that animal milk differs from breast milk. It contains almost three times more protein, but less lactose. In its mineral composition it also differs from maternal milk. It contains 2–3 times higher levels of sodium and potassium and much more phosphorus and calcium—6–7 times more. However, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in animal milk differs from maternal milk, which can provoke constipation in infants. Because of the high protein and mineral content and the deficiency of certain vitamins, animal milk cannot be a full replacement for maternal milk. Before introducing complementary foods into an infant’s diet, consult a pediatrician. During pregnancy and lactation a woman loses a huge amount of calcium, phosphorus and other trace elements, which can negatively affect the health of her teeth, bones and hair and can lead to general weakness. Thanks to its rich mineral composition and high bioavailability of calcium and phosphorus and other trace elements, goat milk helps a woman recover after pregnancy and childbirth and stimulates lactation. For example, calcium absorption from goat milk is much higher than from cow’s milk, 58% vs 38%, respectively.
Taste and Acceptance Among Adults and Especially Children
Adults’ attitudes toward goat milk vary from indifference to passionate preference. Children, however, tend to love it. Preschoolers especially enjoy its rich, sweet flavor and the white foam you see in a glass of steamed milk. Its higher fat content makes it a very nourishing product, giving children the energy they need for active play.
