Colostrum vs. Mature Milk: Why Donkey Milk’s Power Changes With Lactation (A Scientific Analysis)

The phrase "donkey milk is good for your skin" has become common knowledge for many beauty enthusiasts. But to think that all donkey milk is the same is to see only half of its potential. Modern life sciences, particularly the field of proteomics, have revealed that donkey milk isn't just a single ingredient; it's a dynamic, living fluid whose composition and function change dramatically depending on the lactation stage.

Specifically, the 'colostrum' produced immediately after birth is fundamentally different from the 'mature milk' produced in the following weeks and months. Understanding this scientific difference is the first step to unlocking the true, targeted benefits of donkey milk.

The First Gift of Life: Colostrum's Focus on Immunity

Colostrum is the special milk produced only in the first few days after giving birth. As a recent proteomics study in the journal

Foods revealed, donkey colostrum is overwhelmingly rich in proteins related to immunity and disease resistance when compared to mature milk.

In fact, the proteins found in higher concentrations in colostrum are linked to critical defense functions:

• Complement and Coagulation Cascades: These are proteins involved in activating the body's primary defense system against external pathogens.

• Infection Response Pathways: Many proteins are associated with defense pathways against specific bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

• Key Immune Proteins: The expression of crucial immune molecules like complement factor D, complement C8, and mannose-binding lectin 2 is significantly higher in colostrum, providing direct defense against invaders.

In essence, colostrum is nature's powerful 'first shield,' precisely engineered to protect a newborn from the immediate threats of the outside world.

Designed for Steady Growth: The Functional Power of Mature Milk

After the colostrum phase, donkey milk transitions into its 'mature' stage. Here, the protein profile shifts away from short-term immunity toward a new goal: supporting long-term, steady growth and providing specific functional benefits. Proteins that are significantly increased in mature milk are involved in the following areas:

• Nutrient Metabolism: Mature milk becomes richer in proteins that help the body efficiently process nutrients. These are involved in fatty acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism (specifically galactose metabolism), and even vitamin metabolism. This helps convert food into energy and building blocks for the body.

• Cell Growth and Repair: The expression of proteins like sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) increases, which is known to promote cell proliferation and participate in immune regulation and inflammation. Additionally, Mfge8, a protein important for clearing away damaged cells and helping repair dysfunctional tissues, becomes more abundant.

• Skincare and Moisturization: From a cosmetic science perspective, this is one of the most exciting findings. Mature milk has a significantly higher content of collagen type XV alpha 1 chain than colostrum. Collagen is a vital component for maintaining the skin's moisture content and the integrity of its fiber structure, and it may also contribute to whitening and anti-wrinkle effects

Mature milk, therefore, evolves from an immune booster into a sophisticated nutritional fluid designed for sustained metabolism, tissue maintenance, and distinct functional effects like skin enhancement.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Ingredient for Targeted Benefits

So, is colostrum or mature milk better? The scientific answer is: it depends on the goal. Colostrum is unparalleled for short-term, powerful immune support. Mature milk is designed for long-term nutrition and offers a wider array of functional benefits, including those for skincare.

This research shows that donkey milk is not a static ingredient but a complex, dynamic fluid. Understanding this scientific depth allows for a more purposeful and effective use of donkey milk in both health and beauty, targeting specific benefits based on its lactation stage.

Source:

Zhou, M., Huang, F., Du, X., Liu, G., & Wang, C. (2023). Analysis of the Differentially Expressed Proteins in Donkey Milk in Different Lactation Stages. Foods, 12(24), 4466. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244466