Lactose intolerance is a common condition caused by a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest the sugar in dairy known as lactose. It can cause bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consumption of dairy products (5).
Camel milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk, making it more tolerable for many people with lactose intolerance.
One study in 25 people with this condition found that only 2 participants had a mild reaction to roughly 1 cup (250 ml) of camel milk, while the rest were unaffected (6, 7).
Camel milk also has a different protein profile than cow’s milk and appears to be better tolerated by those with an allergy to cow’s milk (8, 9).
One study in 35 children ages 4 months to 10.5 years old with cow’s milk allergy noted that only 20% were sensitive to camel milk through a skin-prick test (10, 11).
What’s more, camel milk has been used to treat diarrhea caused by rotirus for hundreds of years. Research suggests that the milk contains antibodies that help treat this diarrheal disease, which is especially common in children (12).
SummaryCamel milk may be a better choice for people with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy. Plus, it may he antidiarrheal properties.