Camel Milk and Gut Health: What Science Says
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Time to read 3 min
Millions of people struggle with gut problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance. If you’re looking for natural ways to support your digestion, camel milk is gaining attention for its gut-friendly properties.
Why Gut Health Matters
Your gut microbiome affects digestion, immunity, and even mood. A balanced gut helps reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and support overall wellbeing.
How Camel Milk Supports the Gut Microbiome
Camel milk contains prebiotics and probiotics that survive stomach acid and reach the intestine. These beneficial bacteria help:
- Promote growth of healthy gut microbes
- Inhibit harmful bacteria
- Reduce gut inflammation
Research by Sharma et al. (2021) identified lactic acid bacteria in camel milk with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential for gut health support.
Reducing Gut Inflammation
Bioactive compounds such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins in camel milk have anti-inflammatory effects:
- He et al. (2022) found camel milk lactoferrin reduced inflammation in mice with IBD.
- Arab et al. (2014) showed camel milk downregulated inflammatory cytokines in colitis.
Digestibility and Lactose Tolerance
Camel milk is naturally lower in lactose and contains alpha-D-galactose-1,4-glucose, which differs from the lactose in cow’s milk. This makes it easier to digest and hypoallergenic. Many people with lactose intolerance report fewer symptoms when switching to camel milk (Agrawal, 2015; Boughellout, 2009).
Unique Proteins and Bioactive Compounds
Camel milk proteins, including immunoglobulins, lysozyme, and lactoferrin, help fight harmful bacteria, modulate the immune system, and reduce gut inflammation (Mohammadabadi, 2020). It is also more easily absorbed than cow’s milk, making it a gentle, nutrient-rich option.
Natural Gut Health Support
Camel milk is a simple way to support digestion. Its unique composition helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome and may ease digestive discomfort. Drinking 100–200 ml daily or adding it to smoothies, coffee, or cooking can provide ongoing support.
Tip: Its gentle, low-lactose profile makes it suitable for many with dairy sensitivities.
Where to Buy Camel Milk in Australia
Try fresh and freeze-dried camel milk from Summer Land Camels, 100% Australian and delivered straight to your door.
Summary
Supports gut balance – prebiotics and probiotics in camel milk help nurture healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Gentle on digestion – naturally lower in lactose and more easily absorbed than cow’s milk, often tolerated by sensitive individuals.
Rich in bioactive proteins – compounds like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins contribute to immune support and gut health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camel milk good for gut health?
Yes. Camel milk promotes beneficial bacteria, reduces gut inflammation, and is easier to digest than cow’s milk.
Does camel milk help with lactose intolerance?
Camel milk has lower lactose and a different structure than cow’s milk, making it easier to digest for many people with lactose intolerance.
Can camel milk reduce gut inflammation?
Yes. Bioactive compounds such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins help reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut microbiome.
How does camel milk taste?
Camel milk is mild, slightly sweet, and creamy. It is less gamey than other alternative milks and blends well into drinks or cooking.
Where can I buy halal camel milk in Australia?
You can order camel milk online from Summer Land Camels for direct delivery across Australia.
References and Further Reading
- Agrawal, R.P., Jain, S., Shah, S., Chopra, A., Agarwal, V., & Mathur, G. (2015). Effect of camel milk on glycemic control and insulin requirement in patients with type 1 diabetes: 2-years randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(3), 339-342.
- Alavi, F., Salami, M., Emam-Djomeh, Z., & Moosavi-Movahedi, A. A. (2017). Nutraceutical properties of camel milk. In Nutrients in dairy and their implications on health and disease (pp. 309-328). Academic Press.
- Arab, H. H., Salama, S. A., Eid, A. H., Omar, H. A., & Arafa, E. A. (2014). Camel's milk ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats via downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 115, 49-58.
- Boughellout, H., Choiset, Y., Rabesona, H., Chobert, J. M., Haertle, T., & Zidoune, M. N. (2016). Camel's milk: A new source of proteins for children with cow's milk allergy? In Revue française d'allergologie (2009) (Vol. 56, Issue 4, pp. 344–348). Elsevier.
- El-Agamy, E.I. (2007) 'The challenge of cow milk protein allergy', Small Ruminant Research, 68(1), pp. 64-72.
- He, J., Guo, K., Chen, Q., & Wang, Y. (2022). Camel milk modulates the gut microbiota and has anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of colitis. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(1), 195-205.
- Mohammadabadi, T. (2020). Camel milk as an amazing remedy for health complications: a review. Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 33(2), 99-114.
- Sharma, A., Lavania, M., Singh, R., & Lal, B. (2021). Identification and probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria from camel milk. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28(9), 5162-5169.
- Photo by Katemangostar on Freepik