Breast milk is, as we know, the healthiest and most suitable option for feeding newborns and babies up to around 12 months of age.
Breastfeeding has numerous advantages, not only for the baby, but also for the mother, helping her to regain her fitness, strengthening mother-child emotional bonds and being a free and practical option.
When it is not possible or sufficient, breastfeeding can be replaced or supplemented with formula milk, which should be as similar to breast milk as possible.
Traditionally, infant formulas were produced from cow's milk, with the alternative appearing a few years ago, of other formulas produced from goat's milk , which were approved in 2013 by EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, as suitable for baby food.
But is it a better option?
One of the main problems with using cow's milk in the preparation of infant formulas is allergy to casein protein. Yes, although it is a widespread idea that lactose, the sugar present in milk, is the cause of allergies, in fact, the most frequent and most severe episodes are caused by casein .
Does this mean that goat's milk has no casein or lactose and is therefore safer?
The answer is no . Goat's milk also has lactose and casein. However, it has a lower lactose content and should not be used in lactose-intolerant individuals without express advice from a healthcare professional.
As for the presence of casein, it is there, but it has a different structure, presenting Beta-casein, S2 alpha casein and no S1 alpha casein , mainly responsible for dairy allergies.
The protein structure is therefore more similar to that of mother's milk, with lower fat content, with smaller lipid molecules, and with caproic, caprylic and capric acids, making it easier and faster to digest.
The lipid structure, namely the alpha palmitic acid content, facilitates the absorption of calcium (the content of which is also naturally higher) and reduces the consistency of the stool, with less tendency for colic and gas to appear.
On the other hand, goat's milk has six times more oligosaccharides than cow's milk, 5 of them similar to those found in breast milk. These carbohydrates are important for maintaining healthy intestinal microflora.
This difference is due to the fact that goat's milk has apocrine secretion, just like human milk, which does not happen with cow's milk.
In terms of flavor, it is smooth and naturally sweet, being well accepted in most cases.
Now that you know the benefits of goat's milk, and if you are unable or do not wish to breastfeed, seek advice from the healthcare professional accompanying your child to make the best choice for their healthy and balanced growth!
