Drawing from over 50 published papers, the Goat milk and the infant gut microbiota white paper confirms an extensive body of scientific evidence to support both the use of goat milk formulas and their superiority to cow milk formulas in terms of nutrition and overall effect on infant gut health. The paper was independently reviewed by a multi-disciplinary expert advisory group, including specialists across midwifery, nursing, lactation, nutrition, dietetics, and naturopathy.
Key findings
Supports a healthy gut
- Naturally occurring prebiotics (oligosaccharides) in goat milk stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, generating a gut microbiome similar to breastfed babies.
Closer to breast milk
- Goat milk shares at least twelve milk oligosaccharides (MOs) with human breast milk, and studies show that goat and human MOs have a similar effect on the gut microbiota.
Strengthens gut barrier
- Goat milk prevents colonisation of harmful bacteria and strengthens the gut barrier by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
Easier to digest
- Unlike cow milk, goat milk is digested in a similar fashion to breastmilk. This is believed to be because goat MOs are more similar to those found in breast milk.
Anti-inflammatory
- With anti-inflammatory properties similar to breast milk, prebiotic and probiotic benefits of goat milk may help reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases later in life. Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria that maintain a balanced gut microbiota and ensure gut barrier integrity. Meanwhile, probiotics that survive the gut environment introduce good bacteria, which further support the gut barrier. This prevents harmful bacteria and undigested food from passing through, which may help lower the risk of inflammation-related diseases over time. In addition, signaling molecules, known as short chain fatty acids, produced by beneficial gut microbiota may further modulate the immune system.
Relieves constipation
- Goat milk may improve stool consistency and ease constipation following the consumption of cow milk due to its fat structure promoting better fat absorption and softer stools. This is also attributed to the absence of palm oil in the referenced goat milk formula, which is known to contribute to harder stools and reduced fat and calcium absorption.
