Goat’s, Donkey’s and Camel’s Milk: An Alternative in Case of Cow’s Milk Allergy?

Cow’s milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants, often managed with extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk formulas that can cause poor tolerance and taste issues. This study evaluates alternative mammalian milks, noting that goat and sheep milks are contraindicated due to strong cross-reactivity with bovine proteins. In contrast, equid and camel milks show lower protein sequence homology with cow’s milk and are generally better tolerated, though the potential for cross-reactivity and specific sensitization remains. The review emphasizes the need for clinical studies to optimize these milks for infant nutritional needs.