Goat vs Cow Milk Formula for Babies: This Is Why Goat Milk Is Better Than Cow’s Milk
The production of goat’s milk has made a comeback thanks to the appearance of new products on the market that seek a healthier and more balanced nutritional composition. Products such as yogurts, cheeses, or infant formulas for babies based on goat’s milk are increasingly used in our diets.
Goat’s milk, kabrita formula, is milk that has many benefits and is, in fact, one of the healthiest milk for health. First of all, it is more similar to breast milk (its composition is 50%). Hence, many mothers consider giving it to their babies when they stop breastfeeding to start taking other foods. But if you are still not sure whether you should give it to your baby, you will find just some of the many advantages it brings in this article.
It produces fewer allergies
Animal studies have shown that goat’s milk is potentially less allergenic than cow’s milk. In particular, fewer episodes of atopy and gastrointestinal disorders are observed when goat milk is used as the primary protein source after the breastfeeding period (follow-on milk).
However, these are studies in mice, so it is tough to extrapolate to what would occur in humans without further data. Additionally, goat milk can produce cross-sensitivity reactions in children with cow’s milk protein allergy, so caution should be exercised in these cases.
Goat’s milk protein is of better quality
Studies on goat and cow’s milk proteins compared to breast milk have revealed that, although their quality may be similar – not their biological value since breast milk protein reaches the maximum possible – the kinetic curve of goat’s milk protein digestion, i.eThe speed at which they are digested, is much more similar to breast milk than is cow’s milk.
According to this, the digestion of the proteins of milk made from goat milk, such as kabrita formula, can be more bearable for babies, facilitating the evacuation of stool, compared to the recipe made from cow’s milk, which is more complicated and heavy to digest. One of the kabrita formula main benefits of this could be avoiding infant colic, although there is no scientific relevance.
It is more nutritious
Several studies have shown no significant differences in the growth and development of infants fed formula made from goat’s or cow’s milk, so their nutritional qualities can be considered similar.
Goat’s milk contains predominant micronutrients that improve its nutritional value over cow’s milk, such as vitamins A, B2, B3, and D, and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Vitamin A, for example, is essential for vision and immune development. The kabrita formula is also rich in calcium, which is best absorbed in combination with vitamin D, necessary for developing and maintaining bones and teeth.
Although the safety and nutritional adequacy of goat milk infant formulas have been widely questioned, it can now be stated without hesitation that the milk currently marketed is a valid option for infant feeding.