Posted by Evelyn Smith
on September 24, 2025
In the world of wellness, we often hear about "superfoods" packed with unique nutrients. While donkey milk is praised for its gentleness, a deeper look into its scientific composition reveals why it’s gaining so much attention. It’s not just about what it doesn't have (like certain allergens), but about the powerful nutrients it’s naturally rich in.
A Profile Closer to Human Milk
One of the most remarkable features of donkey milk is how its nutritional makeup mirrors human milk. A key example is its protein structure. Donkey milk has a high proportion of whey proteins, making up about 55-65% of its total protein content, which is very similar to human milk and vastly different from cow’s milk. This is a primary reason it is so biocompatible and well-tolerated.
The Standout Nutrient: A Vitamin C Superstar
While the protein profile is impressive, the vitamin content is where donkey milk truly shines. According to comprehensive reviews, donkey milk contains a stunningly high level of Vitamin C—approximately 4.75 times more than what’s found in cow’s milk.
This is incredibly significant for both health and skincare, because Vitamin C is:
- A Potent Antioxidant: It is essential for protecting the body’s cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.
- A Collagen Booster: Vitamin C plays a direct role in promoting collagen synthesis, which is vital for maintaining the healthy structure and function of skin, bones, and blood vessels.
A Unique and Beneficial Fat Profile
Donkey milk is also notable for its low-fat content, averaging around 1.29%. But more important than the amount of fat is the type of fat. It contains a higher proportion of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, including essential compounds like linoleic and linolenic acid. These are healthy fats that the human body cannot produce on its own and must get from dietary sources. This unique lipid profile makes it a heart-healthy choice that helps regulate blood lipids and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Rich in Essential Minerals
The nutritional benefits continue with its mineral content. Donkey milk is a source of essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Notably, it contains 2 to 3 times more iron than cow’s milk, a critical component for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing anemia. It is also significantly richer in zinc than human milk, an element crucial for immune regulation and healthy skin.
Conclusion: A Foundation of Scientific Wellness
The growing popularity of donkey milk is backed by a solid foundation of nutritional science. From its high-whey protein structure to its powerhouse levels of Vitamin C and beneficial fats, its composition is uniquely suited for human health. This nutrient-rich profile is why it is not only a viable alternative for infants with cow's milk allergies but also a celebrated ingredient in advanced cosmetics and health-promoting foods.
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Source: Xu, Q., Wei, L., Chen, X., Zhu, H., Wei, J., Zhu, M., Khan, M.Z., Wang, C., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Nutritional Composition and Biological Activities of Donkey Milk: A Narrative Review. Foods, 14(13), 2337. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132337