Can camel milk be consumed by people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies?

Can lactose intolerant people drink camel milk?

Many can, in small amounts. Camel milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk. In a study of 25 lactose-intolerant people, only two had a mild reaction to about 1 cup (250 ml) and the rest were unaffected, according to a summary on Healthline. That is a small study, and it does not make camel milk lactose-free. Start with a small glass and see how you feel.

What about milk allergy?

Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are different. Intolerance is digestive; allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins and can be serious. In one study of 35 children with cow’s milk allergy only 20% were sensitive to it on a skin-prick test. That is a small study and does not show camel milk is safe for everyone with a milk allergy. If you have a diagnosed allergy, do not try it without your allergist.

Raw vs pasteurized

Camel milk is traditionally drunk raw and is often sold unpasteurized. Health professionals commonly advise against raw milk because it can carry germs that cause serious illness; the risk is higher for pregnant women, children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The same source notes camel milk can carry organisms that cause MERS and brucellosis. Buy pasteurized.

Practical tips

• Try a small amount first (a few spoonfuls to half a glass).
• Check the label: pasteurized, and any added ingredients.
• Camel milk is not a treatment for any disease.

Who should ask a doctor first

Anyone with a confirmed milk allergy, a history of reactions to milk, or a weak immune system, and parents of young children. This is general information, not medical advice.