Baba Ramdev Says Donkey Milk Is 'Supertonic' And 'Super-Cosmetic', Here's What Doctors Say

Donkey milk may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Quite literally. But Baba Ramdev says it's a good source of nutrients. Here's what doctors & nutritionists say about nutritional value of donkey’s milk.

Cleopatra had made it famous by bathing in donkey milk. Recently, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev posted a video on his Instagram account, sharing visuals of him milking a donkey and explaining the nutritional advantages of drinking donkey’s milk.

“I have consumed milk from goats, cows, buffaloes, even camels. But this is the first time I am consuming milk from a donkey,” the yoga guru said.

Baba Ramdev, the Yoga Guru, businessman, and co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda, has been promoting Yoga and Ayurveda across the world. Calling donkey milk a "supertonic" and "super cosmetic", he suggested that it could be a good alternative for people allergic to cow’s milk. 

Though most people find the idea ridiculous and a taboo, donkey's milk is said to cost anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000 per litre, unlike cow or buffalo milk, which costs approximately Rs 50-60 per litre. 

ABP Live spoke to a few doctors and nutritionists, and they spoke about the pros and cons of consuming this milk alternative.

Is Donkey's Milk A Supertonic? 

Dr. Parimala V Thirumalesh, Senior Consultant - Neonatology & Pediatrics, at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, said the safety of donkey milk for human consumption has become a topic of interest in recent years, especially because of its nutritional benefits and potential health advantages. 

“Studies suggest that donkey milk is typically safe for the majority of people, as it is less likely to trigger allergic reactions compared to cow's milk. It also has a blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that may provide several health benefits, such as enhanced digestion and immune system support," she said, but added that it is "also crucial for individuals to take into account their personal allergies, dietary limitations, and to seek advice from healthcare professionals if they have specific health issues before adding donkey milk to their diet”.

Dr Parimala also warned that it must be factored in that donkey milk lacks certain nutrients found in breast milk and formula, such as adequate levels of vitamin D and iron, which are crucial for an infant's development.

“When considering the introduction of donkey's milk into the diets of infants, we have to understand is that the breast milk is the best nutrition for the baby and any other animal milk should be introduced only after 1 year of age including cow milk… Firstly, one should ensure that the milk is sourced from reputable suppliers to guarantee its quality and safety, as raw or unpasteurised milk can pose health risks. It is also advisable to start with small quantities to monitor for any adverse reactions, gradually increasing the amount as tolerated,” she said.

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Donkey Milk Has Medicinal Qualities, But...

According to Dr Gajendra R, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Bangalore Hospitals, donkey milk is "safe for human consumption, having been used for centuries for its nutritional and medicinal qualities". But, he added, raw donkey's milk is "a possible carrier of foodborne illnesses and can, therefore, pose a risk of infection, particularly to infants, older adults, and the immunocompromised".

"As such, pasteurised or heat-treated donkey milk should be preferred for safety,” Dr Gajendra said.

He said while donkey's milk is packed with whey protein and lactose, and may contribute to calcium absorption and gut wellness, there are some disadvantages such as limited accessibility and high cost that can be a hindrance to its consumption. He also warned: “Raw donkey milk could be the source of (harmful) pathogens if consumed. Its modest fat content could not be nutritionally adequate for an infant, and lactose might cause digestive discomfort in some of the intolerant people.”

Dr Gajendra added: "When giving infants, sick patients, or adults donkey milk, it is important that they be provided pasteurised milk in order to avoid the exposure to foodborne illnesses. Consulting with a healthcare professional prior to starting donkey milk for either infants or people with known allergies is important."

Dr Mridul Chandra Das, DM Paediatric Gastroenterology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, advised precautions if an adult wanted to consume donkey's milk, and said it is better avoided for infants. 

"Animal milk is species specific. That means human milk is for human infant and cow milk for calf and donkey’s milk for donkey calf," said Dr Das even as he advised the following precautions to take if one must consume donkey milk:

• Boil or Pasteurise: Ensure it is free of harmful bacteria.


• Monitor Lactose Sensitivity: It has a higher lactose content than cow or buffalo milk.


• Where a baby is concerned, never replace mother's milk. Donkey milk should only be considered when breastfeeding is not possible, and after consulting a pediatrician.

Deepta Nagpal, Founder and Chief Dietitian at Beyond Kilos and Inches who practices in Europe and India, said packaged donkey milk is getting popular in Italy and Eastern Europe, and now in India as well.

"Donkey milk is an interesting and upcoming dairy choice after goat, camel and yak... The first time I heard about this was in Italy. I was in a store and saw infant formula from donkey milk a few years back. From the limited information available, it is considered to be closer in composition to human milk than other animal milk, which makes it potentially suitable for certain individuals, such as infants with cow milk protein allergies," Nagpal added.

Apart from the pros and cons of drinking donkey’s milk, it could also be a matter of taste, one may say.

The author is an independent journalist.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern and before you make any changes to your medicines, exercises, nutrition, or any health-related routine.