What Are The Health Benefits Of Goats Milk?

More of us are becoming increasingly aware that cows’ milk may not suit us and have started to seek an alternative that is better suited to the needs of our body. Goats' milk is nutritionally closest to cows' milk than other alternatives and yet it has certain physical properties that set it apart, which may impact on digestibility and health¹. Many people who perceive they have issues with cows' milk can drink goats' milk without any problems, and even say that their symptoms (such as eczema; asthma; bloatedness; constipation; digestive discomfort and catarrh) are reduced or go away altogether. More comprehensive scientific research is needed to confirm these anecdotal benefits, but there are a number of studies that have focused on the differences between the two milks.^1,2,3,4,5

Whilst the fat content of goats' milk is similar to cows' milk (3.5% for whole, 1.6% for semi-skimmed and just 0.1% for skimmed), the fat globules are naturally much smaller in size². The protein composition of goats' milk also allows it to form a softer curd during digestion, which may assist with your digestive health and comfort.

Goats' milk typically contains slightly less lactose (the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy foods) than cows' milk,⁸ and the amount of lactose people can tolerate varies.^9,10 This may help to explain why some people who experience sensitivity to lactose can enjoy goats' milk without any repercussions. Goats' milk is not recommended for anyone who has been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Consult your GP or a health professional before making any changes to your diet.

Three (200ml) servings of goats' milk products can provide more than 100% of an adult's daily needs of calcium,¹¹ and the calcium in milk and dairy products is more easily absorbed and used by the body, than calcium in most other foods. Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth, helps support normal muscle function and normal blood clotting, and helps the body to produce energy. ¹²

One 200ml serving of goats' milk delivers over one quarter (180mg)⁸ of the NRV for phosphorus (which helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, and to release energy from food), helps meet your daily iodine needs ¹⁵ (which is needed to produce thyroid hormones - such as thyroxine, and for keeping your metabolism healthy) and provides 17% of the NRV (340mg) for potassium ⁸ (vital for your nerves and muscles to function normally, and as well as helping to keep your blood pressure under control). What's more, goats' milk is a source of chloride, providing 38% of the NRV per 200ml serving, and important for healthy digestion^{. 8,13}