Allergenicity of milk of different animal species in relation to human milk.
Abstract: Protein content in cow milk (with over 20 proteins, and peptides may also occur as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis) ranges from 2.5% to 4.2% and is about 1.5-2 times higher than in human milk. Its most important allergens are considered to be β-lactoglobulin (absent in human milk) and αs1-casein. The most similar in composition to human milk is horse and donkey milk. It contains considerably more whey proteins (35-50%) than cow milk (about 20%), and the concentration of the most allergenic casein fraction αs1 is 1.5-2.5 g/l. In comparison, the content of αs1-casein in cow milk is about 10 g/l. β-lactoglobulin present in donkey milk is a monomer, while in milk of ruminants it is a dimer. Like human milk, it contains a substantial amount of lactose (about 7%), which determines its flavour and facilitates calcium absorption. The high lysozyme content (about 1 g/l) gives it antibacterial properties (compared to trace amounts in ruminants). Camel milk is also more digestible and induces fewer allergic reactions, because it lacks β-lactoglobulin, and its β-casein has a different structure. It also contains (compared to cow milk) more antibacterial substances such as lysozyme, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, and furthermore the number of immunoglobulins is compatible with human ones. Goat milk components have a higher degree of assimilability as compared to cow milk. Its main protein is β-casein, with total protein content depending on the αs1-casein genetic variant. Goats with the '0' variant do not synthesize this allergenic protein. Clinical and immunochemical studies indicate, however, that it cannot be a substitute for cow milk without the risk of an anaphylactic reaction.
Publication Date: 2016-12-31 PubMed ID: 28100852DOI: 10.5604/17322693.1227842Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research paper discusses the protein content in milk from various animals, comparing it to human milk, and its implications on allergenicity. It concludes that horse, donkey, and camel milk is more similar to human milk, and potentially less allergenic, compared to cow and goat milk.
Protein Content and Allergenicity
- The research begins by comparing the protein content in cow milk and human milk. Cow milk has a higher protein content, ranging from 2.5% to 4.2%, which is up to twice as much as human milk. The paper states that the most critical allergens found in cow milk are β-lactoglobulin, which isn’t present in human milk, and αs1-casein.
- The paper then takes a look at the milk of other animals including those from horses, donkeys, camels, and goats. Horse and donkey milk are explained to be more similar to human milk in composition, with a substantial amount of whey proteins (35-50%), compared to cow milk (20%). The concentration of the allergenic αs1-casein in these milk is significantly less compared to that in cow’s milk.
- The paper explains that the β-lactoglobulin in donkey milk is a monomer (a molecule that can bind to other identical molecules), unlike in cow milk where it appears as a dimer (a complex of two molecules). Like human milk, donkey milk contains a considerable amount of lactose, which influences its flavor and aids calcium absorption.
Allergenic Factors and Antibacterial Properties
- The study also discusses various other aspects defining the allergenicity and health value of milk from different species. For instance, donkey milk, similar to human milk, contains a significant level of lysozyme, which has antibacterial properties.
- Camel milk is considered more digestible and less likely to induce allergic responses, as it lacks β-lactoglobulin. It also contains a different type of β-casein, along with several antibacterial substances like lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins. The number of immunoglobulins in camel milk is similar to human milk, adding to its value.
- The paper concludes with a discussion on goat milk, which is more assimilable than cow milk, but still poses a risk of anaphylactic reaction. Therefore, despite some benefits, it is not deemed a safe substitute for cow milk.
Cite This Article
APA
Pastuszka R, Barłowska J, Litwińczuk Z.
(2016).
Allergenicity of milk of different animal species in relation to human milk.
Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online), 70, 1451-1459.
https://doi.org/10.5604/17322693.1227842 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Katedra Towaroznawstwa i Przetwórstwa Surowców Zwierzęcych, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie.
- Katedra Towaroznawstwa i Przetwórstwa Surowców Zwierzęcych, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie.
- Katedra Hodowli i Ochrony Zasobów Genetycznych Bydła, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie.
MeSH Terms
- Allergens / analysis
- Animals
- Cattle
- Equidae
- Female
- Goats
- Horses
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins / analysis
- Lactose / analysis
- Milk / chemistry
- Milk / immunology
- Milk Proteins / analysis
- Milk Proteins / immunology
- Milk, Human / chemistry
- Milk, Human / immunology
- Muramidase / analysis
Citations
This article has been cited 13 times.- Zhou M, Huang F, Qi Y. Role of peptide transporters in small peptide uptake of bovine mammary epithelial cells cultured in a transwell chamber. Food Sci Nutr 2023 Jun;11(6):3550-3557.
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