Goat Milk Outperforms Cow Milk in Boosting Muscle Health

A recent study challenges the long-held belief that cow’s milk is the best option for promoting strong bones and muscles. Research published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition indicates that goat milk may offer superior benefits for muscle health. The study focused on aging mice and explored the effects of different dairy products on age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia.

Researchers administered a drug to induce sarcopenia in the mice, followed by dietary supplementation with either goat or cow milk. Findings revealed that while both types of dairy helped mitigate lean weight loss, only goat milk significantly reduced fat weight. Among the variants tested, low-fat goat milk fortified with vitamin D and calcium emerged as particularly effective.

Sarcopenia affects between 10% and 27% of older adults globally, contributing to increased risk of falls, frailty, and heightened healthcare costs. Current strategies for prevention primarily emphasize resistance training and high-protein diets, with dairy products often included. This new evidence suggests that incorporating goat milk, particularly fortified low-fat varieties, may enhance anti-inflammatory effects, gut health, and muscle-building capabilities compared to conventional cow’s milk.

Goat milk has gained attention before as a potential health trend. For instance, residents of Sardinia, Italy, known for their longevity, attribute part of their lifespan to consuming goat milk, which is rich in potassium and the stress-relieving amino acid tryptophan. Notably, goat milk contains 33% more potassium per serving than cow’s milk, an essential nutrient for maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, nerve transmission, and heart health.

In addition to its nutritional advantages, goat milk is easier to digest due to smaller fat globules and lower levels of the allergenic A1 casein protein. This makes it a more suitable option for individuals with mild lactose sensitivity. Furthermore, goat milk is naturally higher in beneficial bioactive compounds, such as oligosaccharides and medium-chain triglycerides, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Grocery shoppers can find goat milk at major retailers, including Whole Foods and Walmart. With its potential benefits for muscle health and overall well-being, goat milk could represent a valuable addition to dietary recommendations for older adults and those seeking to maintain muscle mass.