Camel's milk may provide alternative to cow's milk for those with dietary issues

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- There is no shortage of alternative dairy options, but moo-ove over soy, almond, and coconut, because camel's milk is the new kid in the dairy case.

"When you look at the difference between camel's milk versus cow's milk, the macronutrient content is quite similar -- carbohydrates, proteins, and fats," said registered dietitian Susan Dopart.

The author and nutrition expert took a hard look at camel milk nutrients, weighing against commonly consumed low fat cow's milk. She found a few key differences.

First, camel's milk has a short shelf life -- half that of cow's milk. And then there's cost.

"With cow's milk being $5 a gallon, camel's milk [is] $145 a gallon," said Dopart.

Actually, camel milk is sold for $18 per 16 ounce bottle, clearly a bit pricey.

Desert Farms, the first camel milk retailer in the United States, touts quite a few benefits. Sold raw and pasteurized, it is a good source of Vitamin B1 and potassium.

The camels raised on American Amish-Mennonite farms are GMO, preservative and hormone free.

A handful of small studies suggest this milk might help with some diseases.

One small study gave type 1 diabetics camel's milk for about a year. It was observed that test subjects reduced their insulin dose by quite a bit.

"Camel's milk has an insulin and an insulin-type protein," said Dopart.

That is a benefit for this reason:

"In America, there's a carbohydrate intolerance. Because we are taking in approximately 200 more grams of carbohydrate per day than we need," said Dopart.

USC Nutrition student Farah Alrajaan says camel products are a staple in the Middle East.

"In places like Dubai, they have like brands called Camel-licious. And they have camel milk chocolate, camel milk kefir, regular camel milk," said Alrajaan.

Taste wise, Dopart says it's probably an acquired one but Alrajaan gave it a thumbs up.