Growing Importance of Camel Milk in Human Health

Review Article

Growing Importance of Camel Milk in Human Health

  • Mahendra Pal 1*
  • Firaol Tariku 2
  • Tesfaye Rebuma 3
  • Judit Molnar 4
  • Suneeta Pinto 5

*Corresponding Author: Mahendra Pal, Founder and Managing Director of Narayan Consultancy of Veterinary public Health, and Microbiology, Bharuch, Gujarat, India

Citation: Mahendra Pal, Firaol Tariku, Tesfaye Rebuma, Judit Molnar and Suneeta Pinto, (2024), Growing Importance of Camel Milk in Human Health, J. Nutrition and Food Processing, 7(7); DOI:10.31579/2637-8914/232

Copyright: © 2024, Mahendra Pal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: 10 May 2024 | Accepted: 24 June 2024 | Published: 10 July 2024

Keywords: camel; health benefits; milk; nutritional value

Abstract

Milk is considered as a complete food as it is rich in proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for human nutrition. Camel milk, a dietary staple in hot and arid regions for millennia, has recently gained attention for its nutritional richness and therapeutic properties. With a global camel population of 35 million, countries in East and Central Africa harbor the largest populations, with Ethiopia ranking second in production after Somalia. Beyond its significance in pastoralist communities, camel milk exhibits diverse health benefits, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Its unique chemical composition, including high levels of vitamin C, essential minerals, and protective proteins like lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme, makes it a potential alternative to bovine milk. Camel milk lacks β-lactoglobulin, which causes allergic to cow milk proteins. Notably, camel milk's role in managing conditions such as diabetes, allergies, autism, cancer, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and arthritis. Moreover, its hypoallergenic nature and antimicrobial properties make it a promising functional food. Insulin-like proteins, which imitate insulin's role in controlling blood sugar levels and hence improve glucose uptake, contribute to its efficacy. Camel milk has cosmetic effects due to the presence of α-hydroxy acids, which help to plump the skin and smooth fine lines. Despite its importance, camel milk remains underappreciated, necessitating further research and awareness efforts to unlock its full therapeutic potential and promote its consumption. This paper aims to shed light on the diverse health benefits of camel milk.

1.Introduction

Milk is a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, which are imperative for good health. Camel milk has long been a staple in the diets of people living in hot regions and arid parts of the world for millennia. Its nutritional richness and therapeutic effects have garnered increasing interest, positioning it as a potential alternative to bovine milk [1]. With an estimated global camel population of 35 million, primarily consisting of dromedaries (one-humped) and a smaller proportion of Bactrian camels, countries in East and Central Africa, including countries like Somalia, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, harbor the largest populations [2]. Ethiopia stands out as a key player in camel milk production, ranking second globally next to Somalia, with an annual production estimated at 75,000 tons [3]. This milk production is vital for food security for pastoralist in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia [4], notably in eastern Ethiopia [5].

Camel milk's significance extends beyond mere numbers. In regions like India, Ethiopia, Sudan, and other camel rearing countries, camel milk is primarily consumed raw by camel-keeping societies [6]. Current studies showed that it has high nutritional value and health benefits compared to milk from other species [7]. It is known for its anti-aging properties, cosmetic benefits, and immunity against diseases and detergents. It also treats multiple diseases, such as diarrhea, cow milk allergy, diabetes, hepatitis, cancer, psoriasis, malnutrition, and bacterial and viral infections [8].

Camel milk has a unique chemical composition compared to milk from ruminant animals like cows, sheep, and goats. This includes low levels of beta-casein and a lack of beta-lactoglobulin, making it suitable for individuals allergic to or intolerant to cow milk proteins [9]. Furthermore, it contains lower sugar and cholesterol levels while boasting higher vitamin C content and essential minerals like zinc, iron, manganese, and copper compared to bovine milk. Additionally, camel milk is rich in protective proteins like lactoferrin, immunoglobulin, lactoperoxidase, and lysozyme [10]. Despite its potential, details about camel milk's significance in human nutrition and health benefits were a little limited. Therefore, this paper aims to address this gap by compiling information on the growing importance of camel milk in promoting human health.

1.1. Chemical composition and nutritional attribute of camel milk 

Camel milk's nutritional and physiological benefits have garnered increasing interest, positioning it as a promising alternative to bovine milk. Its unique composition enhances digestibility within the human gastrointestinal system, attributed to smaller milk-fat globules and hypoallergenic properties [11]. Camel milk contains less saturated fat and higher levels of vitamins, particularly B1, B2, and C. Notably, its Vitamin C content (24–52 mg/kg) is three to five times greater than cow's milk and 1.5 times that of human milk, making it a crucial dietary element in desert areas with scarce fruit and vegetable access [12]. Furthermore, Bentsen [13] observed that camel milk is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, and long-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Similar to cow's milk, camel milk is a valuable supply of several nutrients, particularly salt, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Ca, P, and Mg levels in particular are comparable between camel and cow milk minerals. The primary change is in the mineral content—camel milk contains higher quantities of Na, K, Cu, Fe, Mn [14], and Zn [15]. Geographical origin and seasonal variations significantly influence camel milk composition; with East African camels displaying a higher fat content than their counterparts elsewhere [4]. Camel milk's higher iron content can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Manganese is necessary for numerous enzymes, including those that protect cells from free radical damage, even though it plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism [16].

Proteins from camel milk have a different makeup than proteins from other mammals and from milk from cows. They are classified as caseins and whey proteins, making up 73.1% and 26.9% of all proteins, respectively [17]. Caseins are highly digestible in the colon and are vital for supplying critical amino acids that are necessary for the growth and development of newborns. Comparing camel milk to bovine milk, the protein composition of camel caseins is different; camel milk has more β-casein and less κ-and αS1-casein [18]. As in human milk, dromedary camel and Bactrian whey lack β-lactoglobulin, this is a major whey protein in bovine milk, and instead contains higher levels of α-lactalbumin, camel serum albumin (CSA), and lactoferrin [17]. Camel α-lactalbumin is considered more nutritious than its bovine counterpart due to its higher concentration of essential amino acids, higher concentration of β-casein and lack of β-lactoglobulin, which contributes to the higher digestibility rate of camel milk and a lower incidence of allergies in infants [19]. Lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin, lactoperoxidase, peptidoglycan, lactoalbumin, serum albumin, and peptidoglycan recognition proteins are the main constituents of camel milk [20].

In terms of nutritional content, camel milk typically contains 3.4% protein, 4.4% lactose, 0.79% ash, 87% water, and 3.5

2. Conclusion and recommendations

Camel milk stands as a nutritional powerhouse with significant therapeutic potential. Its unique composition, including lower levels of beta-casein and absence of beta-lactoglobulin, makes it suitable for individuals allergic to cow milk proteins. Moreover, camel milk boasts higher levels of essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper; long shelf life; large amounts of insulin/insulin-like protein; therapeutic properties; high digestibility; and higher nutritional value than bovine milk. Regular intake of camel milk helps control blood sugar levels. Scientific research has highlighted its role in managing conditions like diabetes, allergies, and autism and its potential in combating cancer and promoting skin health. Its immunomodulatory properties, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant effects contribute to its efficacy in addressing various health concerns. Furthermore, camel milk’s hypoallergenic nature and ability to enhance digestive health suit individuals with specific dietary requirements or sensitivities. Although camel milk has such values, it is less appreciated thus its consumption is restricted to pastoral areas. Based on conclusions, the follow recommendations are forwarded:

  • Camel milk should be given to people with lactose intolerance and diabetic patients as adjunctive with insulin therapy.
  • Governments, healthcare professionals, and nutritionists should promote awareness of camel milk's nutritional value and health benefits, among populations with limited access to healthcare resources.
  • Countries like Ethiopia, with its significant camel population potential, should prioritize further research into the medicinal value of these animals. 

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Prof. Dr.R. K. narayan for going through the manuscript and Anubha for computers health.

Contribution of authors

All authors contributed during the preparation of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

There was no conflict of interest.

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.

img

Gomez Barriga Maria Dolores

The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.

img

Lin Shaw Chin

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.

img

Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my utmost gratitude for your excellent work and for the dedication and speed in the publication process of my article titled "Navigating Innovation: Qualitative Insights on Using Technology for Health Education in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients." I am very satisfied with the peer review process, the support from the editorial office, and the quality of the journal. I hope we can maintain our scientific relationship in the long term.

img

Dr Maria Dolores Gomez Barriga

Dear Monica Gissare, - Editorial Coordinator of Nutrition and Food Processing. ¨My testimony with you is truly professional, with a positive response regarding the follow-up of the article and its review, you took into account my qualities and the importance of the topic¨.

img

Dr Maria Regina Penchyna Nieto

Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, The review process for the article “The Handling of Anti-aggregants and Anticoagulants in the Oncologic Heart Patient Submitted to Surgery” was extremely rigorous and detailed. From the initial submission to the final acceptance, the editorial team at the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. The reviewers provided constructive and detailed feedback, which was essential for improving the quality of our work. Communication was always clear and efficient, ensuring that all our questions were promptly addressed. The quality of the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” is undeniable. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated exclusively to disseminating high-quality research in the field of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular interventions. The journal's impact factor is currently under evaluation, and it is indexed in reputable databases, which further reinforces its credibility and relevance in the scientific field. I highly recommend this journal to researchers looking for a reputable platform to publish their studies.

img

Dr Marcelo Flavio Gomes Jardim Filho

Dear Editorial Coordinator of the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing! "I would like to thank the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing for including and publishing my article. The peer review process was very quick, movement and precise. The Editorial Board has done an extremely conscientious job with much help, valuable comments and advices. I find the journal very valuable from a professional point of view, thank you very much for allowing me to be part of it and I would like to participate in the future!”

img

Zsuzsanna Bene

Dealing with The Journal of Neurology and Neurological Surgery was very smooth and comprehensive. The office staff took time to address my needs and the response from editors and the office was prompt and fair. I certainly hope to publish with this journal again.Their professionalism is apparent and more than satisfactory. Susan Weiner

img

Dr Susan Weiner