Camel milk consumption patterns and perceptions in the UAE: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Camel milk has been consumed for centuries due to its medicinal and healing properties. The present study aims to investigate the consumption patterns of camel milk and perceived benefits and risks among adults in the United Arab Emirates. A self-administered online questionnaire was developed in English and Arabic languages and was completed online by 852 adults. Socio-demographic characteristics, camel milk consumption patterns and perceived knowledge of the benefits and risks of camel milk were investigated. About 60 % of the participants have tried drinking camel milk, but only a quarter (25⋅1 %) were regular consumers. The most consumed camel milk products after fresh milk were yoghurt and flavoured milk. The most popular additions to camel milk were honey, turmeric and sugar. Most consumers had less than one cup of camel milk per day (57⋅0 %). Camel milk consumers preferred it over other types of milk due to its nutritional value (66⋅4 %) and medicinal properties (39⋅3 %). Among consumers, 58⋅4 % reported consuming unpasteurised camel milk. Reasons included the belief that it is fresher (87⋅2 %), better for the immune system (41⋅6 %), and higher in nutrients (39⋅2 %). Overall, participants had inadequate knowledge about the health benefits of camel milk (7⋅11 ± 5⋅3 out of 25). Males and camel milk consumers had a significantly higher knowledge about the health benefits of camel milk compared to females and non-consumers (P < 0⋅05). Although positive perceptions were common, misperceptions appear to be prevalent among non-consumers. Consuming unpasteurised camel milk is a major public health concern, thus national regulations are essential.

Prospective nutritional, therapeutic, and dietary benefits of camel milk making it a viable option for human consumption: Current state of scientific knowledge

“…Intestinal responses start with diarrhea and a loss of appetite. Camel milk has been shown to have a therapeutic impact on autism because it lacks the two caseins found in cow milk linked to autistic symptoms (Ismail et al 2022). and Yagil (2013) found that camel milk was effective in treating autism in the following situations: After 40 days of consuming camel milk, the autistic symptoms of a 4year-old girl completely vanished; A 30-day course of camel milk therapy cured autism in a boy aged 15; Those aged 21 were found to be calmer and less destructive after drinking camel milk for two weeks in a facility for autistic youngsters.…”

“…Pasteurized camel milk has been demonstrated to keep well in the lab for up to 15 days when refrigerated. Milk (produced by Natural Product Company) and milk powder (from camel milk) are two of the camel-related products sold in the Indian market by Sara International company (Yadav et al 2015;Ismail et al 2022). Several components in camel milk were shown to be more heat resistant than those in cow milk, as shown by research by Wernery (2006).…”

“…While camel milk output has increased, only a small fraction of the milk produced is consumed (Mullaicharam 2014;Hailu et al 2016). Recent research has looked at the challenges the technology presents to turn it into various items with monetary worth (Ismail et al 2022;Muthukumaran et al 2022). To improve upon the current technologies, based on the processing of bovine milk solely, extensive research into the basic chemical makeup of the components of camel milk is required.…”

Effect of camel milk on lipid profile among patients with diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

“…Camel milk, from Camelus dromedarius , is one of the most commonly utilized CAM therapies for diabetes in the Middle East, including the UAE [ 7 , 8 ], especially with the escalating prevalence of diabetes in this region [ 9 , 10 ]. Research has demonstrated that CM has a significant beneficial impact on human nutrition and health, and can be part of CAM because of its multiple functional qualities relevant to the prevention and treatment of many acute and chronic diseases [ 11 – 16 ].…”

Consumer Acceptance and Preference for Camel Milk in Selected European and Mediterranean Countries

“…17-point hedonic scale (smiling faces) was used with frown face (1) = dislike very much. and smile face (7) = like very much 2.…”