Goat milk is not recommended for infants. While it is a popular beverage in many cultures and often used as an alternative to cow’s milk for older children and adults, it is unsuitable for infants. In fact, goat milk can be harmful to babies, leading to significant health problems and, in severe cases, even death. Despite misleading information on the internet and social media suggesting otherwise, goat milk should not be given to infants.
Potential Concerns of Feeding Goat Milk to Infants
A study conducted by the Department of Health Minnesota highlighted the following concerns about feeding goat milk to infants.
High Protein Content
Goat milk contains nearly three times more protein than human milk. This high protein level results in a high renal solute load, which can stress an infant’s kidneys. This is especially risky for younger infants and those with health issues, as it can increase the risk of dehydration and metabolic acidosis.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Goat milk has excessive levels of potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and chloride. This imbalance can negatively impact the kidneys and other organs. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also explained how goat milk in its pure shape can be bad for kids under 1.
Incomplete Nutrition
Goat milk lacks sufficient amounts of several critical nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, zinc, folate, and B vitamins. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Low Folate Content
The insufficient amount of folate in goat milk can cause megaloblastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells.
Allergies and Cross-Reactivity
Infants and children allergic to cow’s milk might also react to goat milk. This is due to the similarity in protein structures between the two types of milk. Additionally, some children may be allergic to goat milk even if not allergic to cow’s milk.
Risk from Unpasteurized Milk
Consuming unpasteurized goat milk can expose infants to harmful pathogens, posing a significant health risk.
Also Read: Can You Feed Baby Goats Whole Milk?
Goat Milk for Children Over 1 Years or Above
You can give goat milk to your children after they are 1 year old or above. Goat milk has certain benefits for kids above 1, but you must consult a vet before giving goat milk to toddlers. Here are some of the benefits of giving goat milk to your kids.
- Rich Nutritional Content: Goat milk is an excellent source of protein and calcium, vital for growing children. It also provides significant amounts of vitamin B1, chlorine, phosphorus, and other vitamins.
- Health Benefits: Introducing goat milk to older children may reduce the risk of constipation, diabetes, and even cancer, thanks to its nutritional profile and digestive properties.
- Lower Cholesterol Levels: Goat milk contains about half the cholesterol concentration of cow’s milk. This can benefit children with high blood cholesterol levels in their arteries and gallbladder, helping to maintain healthier saturated fat intake and cholesterol levels.
- Suitable for Sensitivity to Cow’s Milk and Soy Beverages: For children with sensitivity (but not allergy) to cow’s milk or intolerance or allergy to soy beverages, goat milk can be a useful alternative. It’s important to note that goat milk is not advised for managing a cow’s milk allergy.
- More Digestible Milk Proteins: The types of casein in goat milk and the evaporation process used in evaporated goat milk may make the milk protein more digestible.
- Digestible Fats: The fat in goat milk has a high proportion of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, which are generally more digestible.
- Lower Lactose Content: Goat milk has a slightly lower lactose content (9 grams per 8 ounces) than cow’s milk (12 grams per 8 ounces), which might benefit those with mild lactose sensitivity.
Related Topic: Can You Feed Goat Milk To Kittens?
Commercial Goat Milk Formulas
You can also give goat milk formulas for infants. Commercial goat milk formulas offer an alternative to traditional cow’s milk-based formulas, particularly for children with sensitivities or mild intolerances to cow’s milk. These formulas are typically fortified with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals to meet the nutritional needs of growing infants and toddlers. They also often contain easier-to-digest proteins and lower lactose levels than cow’s milk formulas.
However, consulting with a pediatrician before switching to or starting a goat milk formula is important to ensure it suits your child’s dietary needs. Moreover, goat milk formula is not regulated in the United States. You can find imported ones, but they come with their risks.
Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk: Nutritional Comparison
Goat Milk
Goat milk is higher in certain nutrients like vitamin A and potassium. It contains less lactose than cow’s milk, potentially making it easier to digest for those with mild lactose sensitivities. Its protein structure, with smaller fat globules, may also be easier for some individuals to digest.
Cow Milk
Cow milk is a rich source of protein and calcium and is generally fortified with vitamins A and D. It has higher levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid than goat milk. However, the higher lactose content and different protein structure can make it less suitable for those with lactose intolerance or cow milk protein sensitivities.