It is estimated that around 6 billion people worldwide consume milk and milk products. For many people in developing countries, milk is a primary source of nutrition.

June is Dairy Month and reminds us of the important role that dairy plays in our diet.

Camel milk has been a staple of nomadic populations' traditional diets in Asia and Africa for over 5000 years due to its extraordinary nutritional and therapeutic properties.

As more and more research into the health benefits of camel milk has been published, camel milk is becoming better known in the US. In fact, it has been recognized as a superfood, a food that provides outstanding nutritional benefits to improve overall health.

While camel milk has been shown to have numerous health benefits, one of the most exciting benefits results from the proteins and peptides it contains that may help stop the invasion of bad bacteria and make the immune system stronger (1). Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, two of the essential components of camel milk, can improve human immunity by defending against various illnesses and disorders.

Immunity Boosters in Camel Milk:

1. Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a vital protein with antioxidant properties that can assist in the fight against toxic microorganisms (2). In addition, some scientists suggest that lactoferrin has such large anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antiparasitic and antibacterial action due to its peptides. Peptides are short chains of between two and fifty amino acids, linked by peptide bonds.

2. Lysozyme

Camel milk has a higher concentration of lysozyme than cow milk.

Lysozyme is an enzyme that has been shown to contribute to the disintegration of bacteria cells, such as E. coli.

3. Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins are antibodies that help the immune system in combating disease-causing bacteria (3). Camel milk contains unique immunoglobulins, that are smaller than the usual immunoglobulins, and are called nanobodies. The significance of the size of the immunoglobulins in camel milk is that they are small enough to pass into human cells and tissues when the milk is consumed and can boost the immune response against harmful bacteria.

4. Health-promoting molecules

 Camel milk contains the following:

• Lactophorin, a protein present in camel milk, that may help with gastrointestinal disorders.
• Lactoperoxidase, a glycoprotein possessing antibacterial properties that may aid in the development of a strong immune system. In addition, lactoperoxidase has been shown to inhibit E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium.
• Serum albumin is a whey protein found in camel milk. It is one of the most important proteins in blood serum and all body secretions. Therefore, serum albumin levels in a normal range are an essential indicator of health (4).
• Alpha-lactalbumin, another whey protein, is supposed to aid in mineral absorption and reduce the rate of E. coli infections in the intestines of infants (5).

Camel milk contains bioactive, beneficial ingredients, which can help to improve long-term immunity. Camel milk’s nutritional and health benefits make it a valuable part of a healthy diet. Camel milk can be consumed as milk, added to a smoothie, or used in cooking and baking instead of cow milk.

Camelicious camel milk powder offers a convenient way to get all the benefits of 100% natural, whole camel milk. Camelicious comes in single serve packets sealed to ensure you receive the full nutritional benefit of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Camelicious camel milk powder comes from grass fed camels and is non-GMO, and without hormones or other additives. Try Camelicious camel milk powder for yourself!

 References:

• Niyonsaba F, Nagaoka I, Ogawa H, Okumura K. Multifunctional antimicrobial proteins and peptides: natural activators of immune systems. Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(21):2393-413. PMID: 19601839
• Mati, Abderrahmane & Senoussi-Ghezali, Chahra & Zennia, Saliha & Almi-Sebbane, Dalila & Halima, El HATMI & Girardet, Jean-Michel. (2016). Dromedary camel milk proteins, a source of peptides having biological activities – A review. International Dairy Journal. 73. 10.1016/j.idairyj.2016.12.001.
• Science Direct: Antibodies – The Vaccine Book, 2003

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/antibodies

• Science Direct: Serum albumin – Management of Cancer in the Older Patient, 2012

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/serum-albumin

• Science Direct: Alpha-lactalbumin

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/alpha-lactalbumin