Why is Camel Milk so Rare?

In the U.S. camel milk is hard to find, and in many cases, has to be shipped from overseas in powdered forms. However, in Dubai, and other Middle Eastern countries, camel milk is as common as any other milk, and is even seen in ice cream, cheese, and milkshakes. There are around 3,000 camels in the U.S compared to the 1 million in Australia, and the over 2 million in the Middle East. So what is it that makes camel milk so rare? 

The Production of Camel Milk

Camels produce milk differently than the average cow does. A dairy cow needs only to have a calf once a year in order to milk for the entire year, whereas a camel only produces milk when it gives birth and a few months after to feed its calf. A cow typically produces around 24 liters a day of milk, where a camel can only produce 6 liters. Cows can usually be milked continuously and have no fuss for giving milk when asked. Yet, milking camels is a much more delicate task, and they must feel good and ‘be happy’ to give milk. This is also what makes camel milk so much more expensive than your average cow milk. A gallon of milk typically costs between $2-$4 in the U.S. Camel milk on the other hand tends to run at about $30 per liter, making it much more expensive and luxurious than cow's milk and other milks. 

What makes camel milk special?

Camel milk is praised for its nutritional value and luxurious viewpoints. Camel milk is extraordinary in terms of antioxidative agents, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, preventing aging, remedy for autoimmune diseases, and cosmetics. 

Camel milk contains different immune protein molecules which can act as protective agents. Camel milk can be recognized by low levels of fat and cholesterol, tons of vitamin content and minerals, and an important source of insulin. It has been reviewed that camel milk can be useful for treating diabetes. Studies have shown that camel milk works to combat and eradicate cancer cells because camel milk contains high levels of lactoferrins, immunoglobulins, and iron-binding glycoprotein. Camel milk can also be used as an anti-inflammatory effect against a number of infectious diseases.

Camel milk contains vitamins like C, A, B2 and extremely high levels of vitamin C and is rich in zinc and magnesium. The presence of vitamin C in the milk imparts antioxidant skin tissue-protective activities. Vitamin C is also necessary to produce collagen protein as it helps the growth of cells and blood vessels and improves the strength and firmness of the skin, resulting in a plump fullness to the skin’s elasticity. Vitamin C also protects the skin from free radicals which causes some skin problems such as wrinkles and dryness. Visit here to understand more about what Vitamin C can do for the skin. Camel milk has also been found that it can be used as a treatment for autistic patients by reducing oxidative stress rate because it contains a high number of antioxidants in the form of vitamins. Camel milk contains a number of fatty acids which help to protect and keep in the moisture of the skin. Visit here to understand more about why you should adore fatty acids for the skin. 

Cammellatte’s Camel Milk

Vika, co-founder of Cammellatte pictured at the camel farm with Camel Milk Body Lotion & Camel Milk Body Butter.

Camel milk for Cammellatte products comes from a locally owned family farm. The camels first feed their young and only after that any remaining milk is taken for human consumption. In order to keep our products at their most effective and best quality, we produce a small number of items at a time. The base of our products starts with camel milk rather than water and allows our products to feel rich and creamy. Camel milk is treasured in different parts of the world, and we value its amazing properties and want to share them with others, piece by piece at a time. 

 

 

Citations: Galali Y, Al-Dmoor HM (2019) Miraculous Properties of Camel Milk and Perspective of Modern Science. J Fam Med Dis Prev 5:095. doi.org/10.23937/2469-5793/1510095