Goat’s milk is often suggested as an alternative solution to cow’s milk. Many parents are deluded into thinking that goat’s milk has the essential nutrients to support the baby’s growth and is also lactose free to avoid symptoms like colic, diarrhea or cramps. Never. Goat’s milk has its own pros and cons and if you plan to switch to goat’s milk, analyze it in depth before you proceed to feed your child with it.
Two things prompt parents to choose goat’s milk – its composition of proteins and its lactose-free nature (for the lactose intolerant babies). But there are several misconceptions here. Goat’s milk is not completely lactose free neither it is devoid of proteins. This article will analyze the pros and cons of goat milk for infants.
Pros and cons of goat’s milk for infants: Goat’s milk maybe great food for adults, but for infants, you need to be wary of certain things. Below are a few things you need to know regarding goat’s milk:
1. Goat’s milk is never lactose free. This is a myth. Goat’s milk has less lactose than cow’s milk. But it is not completely lactose free. Also, there is not a great difference between the lactose present in cow’s milk and goat’s milk. So, it cannot be said that it will be suitable for lactose intolerant infants.
2. Goat’s milk has less allergenic proteins. This is one of the biggest advantages. During the digestion process, the proteins in the milk form into smaller ‘curds’ in the stomach and this paves for easy digestion in the baby’s tummy. For infants with cow’s milk allergy, goat’s milk can be a better option.
3. Goat’s milk has a different fat make up compared to that of cow’s milk. This means a baby can benefit differently, but at the same time, it may lack the essential nutrients of cow’s milk.
4. Goat’s milk yogurt or cheese: This is ideal food for infants who are more than 8 months old. Babies are said to love goat’s milk whether they like it or not. But you may have to consult your pediatrician before taking any drastic steps in your infant’s diet.
5. Goat milk formulas for infants: Not much recommendation is for goat milk formulas for infants. Especially in the European Union and UK, it was decided to take them off the market. This was based on a study conducted by the EFSA and published in 2006. The EFSA concluded that there was no supporting belief or study that states that goat’s milk formula is better than cow’s milk formula.
But there are several other reasons why goat’s milk is not a good substitute of cow’s milk and why it should not be used in infancy.
6. Goat’s milk is deficient in folic acid and vitamin B6 essential for growth and body’s well-being.
7. Goat’s milk has higher protein content than cow’s milk and infant formula which puts an infant at the risk of dehydration and higher renal solute load. This is the reason many of the goat milk recipes call for dilution of about 2/3 of its strength. But when diluted, everything, including the nutrients are diluted and this leads to hyponatremia or water intoxication, resulting in seizures.
8. Goat’s milk acidosis is another major problem, next only to its high protein content.
