ArticlePDF Available

Camel Milk for Food Allergies in Children

Authors:

Abstract

Food allergies in children are often very serious and can lead to anaphylactic reactions. Observations that camel milk ameliorates allergic reactions were noted over the years. The effect of camel milk is probably related to its special composition. To investigate the effect of camel milk in several children with severe food (mainly milk) allergies. We studied eight children with food allergies who did not benefit from conventional treatment. Their parents, or their physicians, decided to try camel milk as a last resort. The parents were advised by the authors - who have considerable experience with the use of camel milk - regarding how much and when the children should drink the milk. The parents reported daily on the progress of their children. All eight children in this study reacted well to the milk and recovered fully from their allergies. These encouraging results should be validated by large-scale clinical trials.
Y. Shabo et al.
Vol 7 December 2005
796
Historically, camel milk has been used for a number of medi-
cal problems [1,2]. Various foods can cause allergies, especially
consumption of ruminant milk and milk products. Some food
allergies are severe and can result in anaphylactic reactions. It
has been noted that there are basically three different types of
allergic reactions. The first type is an immediate reaction, i.e.,
within 45 minutes of drinking cow milk, and includes urticaria,
angioedema and possibly a true anaphylactic reaction. The sec-
ond type occurs between 45 minutes and 20 hours and mani-
fests as pallor, vomiting and diarrhea. The third type may take
longer than 20 hours and consists of mixed reactions involving
the skin, respiratory tract, and gut.
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic
allergic reaction that can involve various areas of the body
(such as the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, car-
diovascular system). Symptoms occur within minutes to 2 hours
after contact with the allergy-causing substance, but in rare
instances may occur up to 4 hours later. Anaphylactic reactions
can be mild to life-threatening. In the United States the annual
incidence of anaphylactic reactions is about 30 per 100,000 per-
sons, and individuals with asthma, eczema, or hay fever are at
relatively greater risk of experiencing anaphylaxis. Allergies in
general are associated with reduced immunologic protection.
The use of camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk for food-aller-
gic children seems a bizarre idea and is usually met with the
comment: “if the child is allergic to milk how can you suggest
camel milk?” In fact, the camel is not a ruminant, although it
ruminates, but is a Tylopode. Camel milk composition is vastly
different from that of ruminants [2,3], as is their physiology [4].
Camel milk contains little fat (2%); this fat consists mainly of
polyunsaturated fatty acids that are completely homogenized
and gives the milk a smooth white appearance. Lactose is
present in concentrations of 4.8%, but this milk sugar is easily
metabolized by persons suffering from lactose intolerance [5].
The proteins of camel milk are the decisive components for pre
-
venting and curing food allergies because camel milk contains
no beta-lactoglobulin [6] and a different beta-casein [7] – the
two components in cow milk that are responsible for allergies.
Camel milk contains a number of immunoglobulins that are
compatible with human ones. Camel milk is also rich in vitamin
C, calcium and iron [3].
Patients and Methods
The parents of eight children suffering from severe food aller-
gies who did not respond to conventional treatments asked for
advice regarding camel milk for their children. The ages of the
children ranged from 4 months to 10 years. All suffered from
severe allergic reactions. The most prominent symptom was
diarrhea and vomiting after eating. Other accompanying symp-
toms were skin rashes, lactase deficiency, chemical imbalance,
and asthma symptoms. While all had food allergies, milk aller-
gies were common to all. The children were followed for about
30 days.
One child, 4 months old, was taken home from hospital be-
cause of the lack of improvement and was losing blood and liq-
uid in constant diarrhea. Another, a young girl from the United
States, was extremely allergic to all but a few foods. Any food
containing milk immediately caused an anaphylactic reaction.
All the parents agreed to feed their children with camel milk
under strict daily supervision (contact by phone) in order to
maintain or change the initial regimen.
Camel milk was obtained by the families from a source that
was considered hygienic. The parents were instructed not to
heat the milk, which would destroy the immunoglobulins and
protective proteins.
Based on our experience, we determined the amount of milk
and times of drinking according to the child’s age and the se-
verity of symptoms [3]. Milk was supplied frozen and a bottle
Abstract
Background: Food allergies in children are often very serious
and can lead to anaphylactic reactions. Observations that camel
milk ameliorates allergic reactions were noted over the years. The
effect of camel milk is probably related to its special composition.
Objectives: To investigate the effect of camel milk in several
children with severe food (mainly milk) allergies.
Methods: We studied eight children with food allergies who
did not benefit from conventional treatment. Their parents, or their
physicians, decided to try camel milk as a last resort. The parents
were advised by the authors – who have considerable experience
with the use of camel milk regarding how much and when the
children should drink the milk. The parents reported daily on the
progress of their children.
Results: All eight children in this study reacted well to the milk
and recovered fully from their allergies.
Conclusions: These encouraging results should be validated
by large-scale clinical trials.
IMAJ 2005;7:796–798
Camel Milk for Food Allergies in Children
Yosef Shabo MD
1
, Reuben Barzel MD
3
, Mark Margoulis MD
4
and Reuven Yagil DVM
2
Departments of
1
Family Medicine and
2
Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
3
Department of Natural Medicine, Maccabi Health Services, Beer Sheva, Israel
4
Nutrition Unit, Soroka University Hospital, Beer Sheva, Israel
Key words: immunoglobulin, protective proteins, allergens, dromedary, nutrition
Immunology and Allergies
797
Vol 7 December 2005
Food Allergies and Camel Milk
was thawed as needed (without adverse effects on the milk,
which returns to its initial solution). The milk replaced all other
foods for 2 weeks, after which other food was gradually added
to the diet as chosen by the parents.
Results
Within 24 hours of starting to drink the milk all the children
showed diminished symptoms. Within 4 days all symptoms had
disappeared. No recurrence of the allergic reactions was re-
ported. Most parents continued giving their children camel milk
for another month.
The child from the U.S. returned home after 2 weeks, with
no allergic reaction to camel milk and able to eat food to which
she had previously been allergic. Treatment was halted because
camel milk could not be imported to America. It appears that
she remained healthy and stable after returning home.
The 4 month old infant suffered from ear infections with
oozing pus 2 months after ceasing to drink camel milk. No
treatment was effective, including a number of surgical inter-
ventions. After drinking camel milk again, the child was healed
within 48 hours.
One child said her legs felt heavier, and in fact she was
heavier, suggesting a rapid increase in bone calcium, an ob-
servation in osteoporotic women who drink the milk (R. Yagil,
personal observation).
A young girl who showed severe reactions to cow milk, even
in minute amounts, consumed the camel milk without prob-
lems.
Discussion
In all eight cases the results of drinking camel milk were spec-
tacular compared to conventional treatments a rapid improve-
ment in the children’s health, followed later by an ability to
digest other foods. The healing effect of drinking camel milk
has also been found in other diseases associated with the im-
mune system, including autism [8]. In many Arab countries it is
common practice, even today, to give camel milk to children to
strengthen their immune system, without knowing how it works.
The effect of camel milk on food allergies is based on the
fact that it does not contain allergens that are so potent in
cow milk. There is no beta-lactoglobulin [6,7] and another beta-
casein is present [7]. Another pertinent fact is that the compo-
nents of camel milk include immunoglobulins similar to those
in mothers’ milk, which reduce children’s allergic reactions and
strengthen their future response to foods.
The importance of camel milk for treating food allergies
in children is therefore found in its non-allergenic properties
and the childs immunologic rehabilitation. Clinical immunol-
ogy takes the approach that allergy and autoimmune disease
are the two major categories of hypersensitivity disease. If the
term “food allergy” refers to all interactions between molecules
derived from the food supply and the immune system, then
many hypersensitivity disorders fall into the category of food
allergy. How strongly and rapidly the immune system develops
and whether it is challenged at a young age would also be con-
tributing factors. “Milk protein allergy” is an allergic reaction to
proteins commonly found in cow milk. It is caused by the im-
mune system reacting to the protein in the milk as a threat to
the body, thus activating the immune system, just as it would
to a foreign virus or poison. Most people with allergies produce
immunoglobulin E antibodies.
In vitro tests have shown that camel milk reduces anti-immu-
noglobulins in the blood (Y. Brenner, personal communication).
In 1992 Hamers-Casterman et al. [10] described the remarkable
immune system of the camel, which is different from that of
all other mammals. IgG2 and IgG3 (inherent in camels) consist
of only two heavy chains. There are no light chains. There is a
single V domain (VHH) [11]. Camel VHH has a long comple-
mentary determining region (CDR3) loop, compensating for
absence of the VL [12]. Conventional antibodies rarely exert a
complete neutralizing activity against enzyme antigens. Camel
IgG has full neutralizing activity even against the tetanus toxin
as it enters the enzyme structure. Camel hypervariable regions
have increased the repertoire of antigen binding sites [12].
Camel VHH domains are better suited to enzyme inhibitors
than human antibody fragments [11]. As viral enzymes play
a key role in triggering diseases, their neutralization would
prevent their replication. A camel variable domain antibody
fraction is a potent and selective inhibitor of the hepatitis C
enzyme system [13].
A major flaw in the development of immunotherapy is the
size of the antibodies. Larger antibodies cannot reach their
target. The camel’s antibodies have the same antigen affin-
ity as human antibodies but are ten times smaller [14]. The
above pertains to examinations of camel blood; however,
these immunoglobulins and antibodies pass into the milk
and, as they are small, enter the bloodstream via the intes-
tines. There are many “protective proteins” in camel milk that
exert immunologic, bactericidal and viricidal properties [15].
The most prominent of these are lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase,
NAGase and PGRP.
The only obstacle preventing greater use of camel milk for
treatment is pasteurization. On the one hand the Ministry of
Health demands the pasteurization of all milk (even if camel
milk is not mentioned in the list of milk-producing animals)
while, on the other, heating or pasteurization will destroy all
immunoglobulins and other protective proteins, mainly bacterial
enzymes. If the regulation is enforced that camel milk must be
pasteurized because it contains more bacteria than the allowed
maximum, then milk products violating this regulation should
also be removed from the market. This includes Actimel® (a
probiotic active drink containing Lactobacillus casei defensis “friend-
ly” bacteria), as there is no such thing as “good bacteria” but
either pathogens or non-pathogens. Since Actimel® contains
non-pathogens, microbiologic testing could show that the same
applies to camel milk as well. It must be noted that pasteurized
camel milk still retains its low fat, non-allergenic proteins and
digestible lactose.
Ig = immunoglobulin
Immunology and Allergies
Y. Shabo et al.
Vol 7 December 2005
798
Conclusions
It appears that camel milk has a positive effect in children with
severe food allergies. The reactions are rapid and long lasting.
Much research still needs to be done on the healing effects of
the milk. We are preparing a research program to be submitted
to the Helsinki Committee for permission to carry out clinical
trials.
Acknowledgments. The authors are grateful to the Benny Slome
Charitable Foundation and ICA in Israel for supporting the camel
project.
References
1. Khan MM, Sahih al-Bukhari. Translation of the Meanings of the
Koran. Saudi Arabia: Al-Medina Islamic University, 1974.
2. Yagil R. Camels and Camel Milk. Italy: FAO (Food and Agricul-
tural Organization of the UN), 1982.
3. Yagil R, van Creveld C. Medicinal use of camel milk. Fact or
Fancy? In: Proceedings of the 2nd International Camelid Confer
-
ence on Agro-economics of Camelids. Almaty, Kazahstan, 2000.
4. Yagil R. The Desert Camel: Comparative Physiology. Comparative
Animal Nutrition. Vol 5. Basel: Karger Ag., 1985.
5. Hanna J. Over the hump. In: Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures. TV
series (USA) 2001 season; #2190. www.animaladventures.com.
6. Merin U, Bernstein SD, Bloch-Damti N, Yagil R, van Creveld C,
Lindner P. A comparative study of milk proteins in camel (Cam
-
elus dromedarius) and bovine colostrum. Livestock Product Sci
2001;67:297–301.
7. Beg OU, von-Bahr-Lindststrom H, Zaidi ZH, Jornvall H. Character-
isation of camel milk protein rich proline identifies a new beta
casein fragment. Regul Pept 1986;15:55–62.
8. Shabo Y, Yagil R. Behavioral improvement of autistic children fol-
lowing drinking camel milk. In: Treating Persons with Brain Dam
-
age. 4th National Conference. Tel Aviv, 2005:94.
9. El-Agamy EI, Ruppaner R, Ismail A, Champagne CP, Assaf R. An-
tibacterial and antiviral activity of camel milk protective proteins.
J Dairy Res 1992;59:169–75.
10. Hamers-Casterman C, Atarouch T, Muyldermans S, Bendolman
N, Hamers R. Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light
chains. Nature 1993;363:446–8.
11. Riechmann L, Muyldermans S. Single-domain antibodies: compar-
ison of camel V H and camelised human V H domains [Review].
J Immun Methods 1999;231:25–38.
12. Muyldermans S, Cambillau C, Wyns L. Recognition of antigens by
single-domain antibody fractions: the superfluous luxury of paired
domains. Trends Biochem Sci 2001;26:230–5.
13. Martin F, Volpari C, Steinkuhler C, Dimas N, et al. Affinity selec
-
tion of a camelized V (H) domain antibody inhibitor of hepatitis
C virus NS3 protease. Protein Eng 1997;10:607–14.
14. Jassim SAA, Naji MA. Camel immune system and activity of milk.
Biologist 2001;48:268–72.
15. Kappeler S. Compositional and structural analysis of camel milk
proteins with emphasis on protective proteins. Ph.D. Thesis. ETH
No. 12947. Zurich, 1998.
Correspondence: Dr. R. Yagil, 14 Bar-Kochba Street, Beer Sheva
84231, Israel.
Phone: (972-8) 627-3155
Fax: (972-8) 627-3155
email: reuven@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
The host cells’ characteristics that allow for microbial invasion
and residence are less well defined than the virulence factors
that allow microbe entry. Using a genome-wide screening
approach, Philips et al. (Science 2005;309:1251) identified host
factors required for infection by Mycobacterium fortuitum, which
divides within vacuoles. Factors fell into two main categories:
those that generally affect phagocytosis (the process by which
cells engulf extracellular particles) and those that cause a
specific defect in mycobacterial uptake or growth. A Drosophila
member of the CD36 family of scavenger receptors was specifi-
cally required for the uptake of Mycobacteria. Using a similar
approach, Agaisse et al. (p. 1248, published online 14 July
2005) identified host factors that affect intracellular infection
by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterial pathogen that escapes from
phagocytic vacuoles and replicates within the cytosol of host
cells. Several phenotypes were observed, including decreases in
the percentage of host cells infected, alterations of intracellular
growth rates, and changes in subcellular location of bacteria.
The identified host factors spanned a wide range of cellular
functions. Comparing the two studies revealed host factors
that specifically affect access to the cytosol by L. monocytogenes
and host pathways that are differentially required for intracel-
lular infection by a cytosolic versus a vacuolar intracellular
bacterial pathogen.
Eitan Israeli
C a psul e
Host factors required for microbial residence
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same
man
Heraclitus (540-470 BC), Greek philosopher
Immunology and Allergies
... Incorrect separation of these caseins can lead to the synthesis of opioids (casomorphin) in children with autism (151). According to the research of Shabo et al. (152), the absence of these caseins in camel milk can inhibit the onset of symptoms associated with autism. Camel milk contains bacterial immune system enzymes and defense proteins that have beneficial and antibacterial properties (153). ...
... against 'IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgD' (154). Individuals with weakened immune systems may benefit from the smaller size of camel antibodies (152). The immunoglobulins in camel milk are absorbed by the recipient, impacting tissues and potentially affecting autoimmune disorders like ASD. ...
Article
Full-text available
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects social skills and behavior. A significant number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may not display noticeable symptoms until they reach the age of three or older. Several factors, including genetic and environmental issues, could affect the progression of ASD in children. Dietary behavior or administration may have a crucial role in the development of autism. Epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that environmental influences play a significant role in how changes in diet can affect behavior and physiology. However, exclusion diets have not been thoroughly studied in relation to this effect. Atypical food behaviors, altered nutritional profiles, and being overweight, obese, or underweight are all associated with autism in children. Overweight or underweight was common in children with autism, but it was not necessarily uncommon in children with normal growth. Moreover, deficiencies in certain vitamins (B12, B9, and D), minerals (calcium and iron), fatty acids (omega-3 and -6), energy, and protein have been documented in children with ASD. The deficiency of these nutrients may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and change the microbiota in children with ASD. Some nutritional interventions could help individuals with ASD to improve their mental health. Recognizing dietary habits and nutrient requirements can help in planning the best overall treatment for autism. This review discusses GI symptoms and disorders related to nutrition and nutrient-dense diets for ASD.
... Camel milk possesses distinctive characteristics such as elevated vitamin C levels, little fat content, and reduced immunoglobulins, rendering it an optimal natural approach for intervening in ASD. [33][34][35][36] ...
Article
Full-text available
Camels are essential livestock for milk, meat, and transportation, particularly in arid regions. Camel's milk is a staple diet worldwide due to its nutritional value, including lactoferrin, calcium, vitamins, peptides, zinc, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFA). It has therapeutic properties like anti-diabetic, bactericidal, anticarcinogenic, and anti-hypertensive effects. Camel's milk also increases carbohydrate metabolism, curing gastrointestinal disorders due to polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory proteins. Its low fat and cholesterol levels, vitamins, minerals, and insulin content make it a critical source of insulin, potentially helping treat diabetes. This review article mainly emphasized the maximum nutritional benefit of camel milk consumption by children or adults suffering from autism spectrum disorders (ASD) after going through extensive reviews of published articles. This article was conducted based on searches in open-source databases like Google Scholar, Embase, DOAJ, PubMed, etc., using specific keywords such as ‘camel milk,’ ‘camel milk benefit,’ ‘camel milk future,’ etc. Camel's milk has been found beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders in India, but further scientific research is needed to comprehend its nutritional and physiological benefits fully.
... Mal et. al. (2006) proposed that protective proteins found in camel milk may have a function in boosting the immunological defence system. These camel milk proteins' antibacterial activities eliminate Mycobacterium tuberculosis.4) Camel Milk as a Therapy for Milk Allergies According toShabo et. al. (2005), camel milk helped youngsters to quickly improve severe food allergies. Camel milk contains immunoglobulins that are comparable to those found in mother's milk, which lessen allergic reactions in youngsters and improve their future sensitivity to foods. Camel milk proteins are crucial for preventing and treating food allergies.5) Camel ...
... The insulin in camel milk possesses special properties that make its absorption into circulation easier than insulin from other sources. Furthermore, camel insulin is encapsulated in nanoparticles (lipid vesicles) or contains insulin-like small molecular weight substances that mimic insulin that make it possible to pass through the stomach and into the circulation without being damaged [95]. It is also probable that some other bio-molecules in camel milk make it anti-diabetic, but this could be a subject of further research. ...
Article
Camel milk has been used for many years by pastoralists in Africa, Mild East and Asia as a source of food and as a remedy for common ailments. There is increased demand for its use in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia, as more people become aware of its nutritional and medicinal values. The nutritional medicinal properties of camel milk seem to be due to its rich composition of unique bio-active therapeutic molecules such as lysozymes, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase enzyme, peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP) and N-acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAGase). Camel milk contains sugars, microelements, and vitamins especially, vitamin B complex and C, iron and Zinc. Lactoferrin in camel milk has considerable antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Camel IgG2 and IgG3 immunoglobulin subclasses have unique diseasefighting properties as nano-antibodies because of their small size due to the absence of light chains, which allows their easy penetration of tissues and antigens, thus enhancing their effectiveness in immune defense. Camel milk is a rich source of insulin (approximately 52 units of insulin in each liter of milk, which is 3 times that found in bovine milk). The insulin in camel milk is encapsulated in nano-particles (lipid vesicles) that make it possible to bypass the acidic gastric environment without being damaged by the enzymes and the acid therein. It is thus, a promising option for the treatment of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in humans, as well as gestational diabetes. Camel milk is a natural source of Alpha-Hydroxide acids which are known to chubby and smoothen the skin. It can also be used as a precautionary for gastric ulcers and its regular intake can help to control blood sugar levels, coronary heart disease, viral, bacterial and some protozoal infections, gastroenteritis, some cancers, dropsy, jaundice, asthma, food allergies and the rehabilitation of the immune system in children. It has also been reported to have aphrodisiac properties. The nutritional and medicinal properties of camel milk and the public health challenges of taking it in raw form are reviewed in the respective sections below.
... Further studies are needed. Shabo et al. 112 studied infants and children with milk and other food allergies. They noted that supplementation with camel milk provided relief in symptoms within 4 days. ...
Article
Camel milk stands as a vital resource for infants in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite representing a modest 0.36% of global milk production, its nutritional composition is remarkable. With 3.4% protein, 4.4% lactose, and 3.5% fat, it offers a unique blend of nutrients that is comprised of higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals compared with cow’s milk. Notably, its vitamin C content surpasses that of cow’s milk by a significant margin. This nutritional powerhouse is particularly beneficial for individuals allergic to cow’s milk, as it lacks β-lactoglobulin. Beyond its nutritional profile, camel milk contains nanobodies that stimulate immune responses, unsaturated fatty acids for heart health, and insulin-like proteins that are stomach-friendly. Moreover, its probiotic bacteria aid in reducing cholesterol absorption and possess antibacterial properties, further enhancing its health benefits. In essence, camel milk transcends its role as mere sustenance, emerging as a potent superfood with the potential to address various health complications.
... Some scholars have gone further and proved that it can help in digestion especially for persons unable to digest milk or its products. This is attributed to the fact that it contains relatively lower lactose when compared to the milk of cow and other dairy animals, and has different protein structures, thus easy to digest for the persons unable to digest the milk from other dairy animals (Shabo, Barzel, Margoulis, and Yagil, 2005). ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Camel milk is magnificent natural healer with immunomodulatory and antidiabetic effects. This chapter brings outthe specific aspect of camel milk which is immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and lysozymes that makes it to boost theimmune system. These biomolecules act as an antibacterial, antiviral, and have anti -inflammatory effect; hence,camel milk could effectively assist in alleviating the diseases by modulating the immune system and its responsetowards various viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases. Moreover, other than the immunologicalconsequences, camel milk has revealed early antidiabetic properties. With relatively high amounts of insulin-likeproteins, camel milk helps in the normalizing of glucose tolerance and decreasing the need of external insulin inthe case of diabetes. Various studies prove how camel milk may co mplement the treatment of diabetes and helpregulate glucose concentrations.
... Past research studies have proved that camel milk has curative properties for curing various ailments. Camel milk could be used as a home remedy for curing autism, controlling diabetes, allergy, and also as prevention for liver cirrhosis [26][27][28]. Camel milk contains a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, are rich in healthy vitamins and minerals, has fat range between 1 and 4%, and gives strength, endurance, high calorific nutrition's intake and stamina [29][30][31]. In India, the number of diabetic patients is highest globally, and camel milk is the best remedy to control diabetes [32]. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study aims to explore the perception of brand introduction i.e., AMUL, in consumers purchase decision of flavoured camel milk and to determine whether the pre-and post-purchase intention occurs in Gujarat state of India. The present research used an exploratory research approach and a quantitative study. For the study, 500 respondents were selected through a judgmental sampling technique but 388 qualified for final analysis using structured questionnaire. The study includes 329 males and 59 females between the age group of 21 to 65 years (Mean=30 and SD= 1.85) with average graduate-level education. The data of the study were analyzed using R software. This study has found a significant correlation between awareness, health benefits, and therapeutic uses to purchase camel milk. AMUL brand has significantly affected the purchase intention and to flourish the flavoured camel milk market, AMUL would have to create awareness and market it well. The market for flavoured camel milk in India is entirely untouched and untapped. The consumption of AMUL camel milk depends upon the consumer demands and it will be stimulated through awareness campaigns and advertisements. The study has the unique contribution that purchase decision towards AMUL products is found favourable, and therefore, it could be assumed that with more available flavoured choices people would be more attracted towards AMUL’s flavoured camel milk.
... Camel milk is reported to be a useful CAM support for autistic children, as it may increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lower levels of oxidative stress, which is a suggested factor in the aetiology of autism (Shabo et al., 2005). Two studies were included in this review that were conducted by Al-Ayadhi et al. (2013) and (2015), reviewing the use of camel milk for autistic children, both reporting significant improvements in the CARS behavioural outcome measures for the camel milk (raw and boiled) intervention groups, as compared to placebo groups in trials of two weeks duration. ...
Article
Full-text available
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a therapeutic option currently used by autistic people with continued interest and uptake. There remains limited evidence regarding the efficacy of CAM use in autism. The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively review published clinical trials to explore the efficacy of CAM in autism. A systematic literature review of available research published from June 2013 to March 2023 was conducted. Our literature search identified 1826 eligible citations, and duplications removed (n = 694) with 102 articles eligible for title/abstract screening. After full text review, 39 studies were included. The results of this systematic review identified that for autistic people, vitamin and mineral supplements may only be of benefit if there is a deficiency. The results also found that the main interventions used were dietary interventions and nutraceuticals, including targeted supplements, vitamins and minerals, omega 3 s and prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. The evidence does not support some of the most frequently utilised dietary interventions, such as a Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) diet, and the use of targeted nutraceutical supplements may be of benefit, but more conclusive research is still required to direct safe and effective treatment.
... Recently, it has been suggested that children who are allergic to cow milk use camel milk instead. The low allergenicity of mother milk is attributed to the low percentage of α-CN, high percentage of β-CN (El-Agamy et al., 2009), deficiency of β-lactoglobulin (Kappeler et al., 1998), and similarity of the immunoglobulins (Shabo et al., 2005). Since camel milk proteins and their percentage are almost similar to human milk proteins , and also due to the predominance of β-casein over other fractions of casein (αS1-casein, αS2-casein, and κ-casein) in camel milk (Mohamed et al., 2020), which is an important factor in creating biological properties such as antiallergic and more digestible properties, it is expected to cause little allergenicity (Abou-Soliman, 2005; ...
Article
Full-text available
There are challenges such as standardization for commercialization and guaranteeing sensory characteristics in camel milk processing. This review gathers a general view of the probiotic camel milk, its contents, its health aspects, and its industrial production. One of the potential candidates of a healthy food product is “probiotic camel milk” which contains several nutritional elements including Lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria and postbiotics such as endopolysaccharides, exopolysaccharides, numerous beneficial enzymes, short‐chain fatty acids, teichoic acids, peptides, peptidoglycan‐derived neuropeptides, cell surface proteins, different vitamins, plasmalogens, and different kinds of organic acids. It should also be considered that camel milk generally has some advantages over cow milk like its health‐beneficial antidiabetic, hypoallergenic, and anticancer properties. As a result, it is gaining much attention from both consumers and manufacturers, and the global probiotic market trend is growing. Although there are obstacles in standardizing processing techniques and maintaining sensory excellence, the health benefits, economic prospects, and adaptability of camel milk and its probiotic variations create a promising avenue for continued research and advancement. Therefore, developing standardized processing techniques and sensory evaluation methods for probiotic camel milk can unlock its full potential as a nutritious beverage, offering a promising solution for consumers seeking healthy and functional food products.
Article
Full-text available
Camel (Camelus dromedarius) whey proteins were detected and compared to bovine whey proteins using size exclusion chromatography columns on HPLC. Camel whey proteins such as serum albumin and α-lactalbumin appear to possess molecular weights similar to the respective bovine whey proteins. Camel whey lacks β-lactoglobulin and consists of large amount of serum albumin, compared to bovine whey. Camel colostrum is rich in IgG and serum albumin, which reduce in amount already after 3 days postpartum. The main protein in camel colostrum whey is serum albumin while that of bovine colostrum whey is β-lactoglobulin.
Article
Full-text available
Diss. no. 12947 techn. sc. SFIT Zurich. Literaturverz.
Article
Full-text available
The HCV genome encodes, within the NS3 gene, a serine protease whose activity specifically cleaves the viral polyprotein precursor. Proteolytic processing of HCV polyprotein precursor by the viral NS3 proteinase is essential for virion maturation and designing specific inhibitors of this protease as possible anti-viral agents is a desirable and practical objective. With a view to studying both the function of HCV NS3 protease and to designing inhibitors of this enzyme, we directed our interest towards engineering macromolecular inhibitors of the viral protease catalytic activity. We describe here the affinity-selection and biochemical characterization of one inhibitor, cV(H)E2, a 'camelized' variable domain antibody fragment, isolated from a phage displayed synthetic repertoire, which is a potent and selective inhibitor of proteolysis by the NS3 enzyme. In addition to being useful as a biological probe to study the function of HCV protease, this inhibitor can serve as a potential pharmacophore model to design antivirals. Moreover, the results suggest a way of engineering improved human-derived small recognition units tailored for enzyme inhibition.
Article
Lysozyme (LZ), lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LP), immunoglobulin G and secretory immunoglobulin A were extracted from camel milk. The activity of these protective proteins was assayed against Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and rotavirus. Comparative activities of egg white LZ, bovine LZ and bovine LF are also presented. The antibacterial activity spectrum of camel milk LZ was similar to that of egg white LZ, and differed from bovine milk LZ. Bovine and camel milk LF antibacterial activity spectra were similar. The camel milk LP was bacteriostatic against the Gram-positive strains and was bactericidal against Gram-negative cultures. The immunoglobulins had little effect against the bacteria but high titres of antibodies against rotavirus were found in camel milk. The LP system was ineffective against rotavirus.
Article
The antigen-binding site of antibodies from vertebrates is formed by combining the variable domains of a heavy chain (VH) and a light chain (VL). However, antibodies from camels and llamas are an important exception to this in that their sera contain, in addition, a unique kind of antibody that is formed by heavy chains only. The antigen-binding site of these antibodies consists of one single domain, referred to as VHH. This article reviews the mutations and structural adaptations that have taken place to reshape a VH of a VH–VL pair into a single-domain VHH with retention of a sufficient variability. The VHH has a potent antigen-binding capacity and provides the advantage of interacting with novel epitopes that are inaccessible to conventional VH–VL pairs.
Article
A camel milk whey protein has been isolated by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The protein is, like caseins, rich in proline (25% of the whole protein). The N-terminal amino acid sequence shows that the protein is homologous with a C-terminal region of beta-caseins analyzed from other species. The protein is concluded to be a fragment of beta-casein, derived from a non-tryptic type of cleavage of the parent molecule, and increasing the multiplicity of known casein products.
Article
Random association of VL and VH repertoires contributes considerably to antibody diversity. The diversity and the affinity are then increased by hypermutation in B cells located in germinal centres. Except in the case of 'heavy chain' disease, naturally occurring heavy-chain antibodies have not been described, although antigen binding has been demonstrated for separated heavy chains or cloned VH domains. Here we investigate the presence of considerable amounts of IgG-like material of M(r) 100K in the serum of the camel (Camelus dromedarius). These molecules are composed of heavy-chain dimers and are devoid of light chains, but nevertheless have an extensive antigen-binding repertoire, a finding that calls into question the role of light chains in the camel. Camel heavy-chain IgGs lack CH1, which in one IgG class might be structurally replaced by an extended hinge. Heavy-chain IgGs are a feature of all camelids. These findings open new perspectives in the engineering of antibodies.
Article
The antigen binding sites of conventional antibodies are formed primarily by the hypervariable loops from both the heavy and the light chain variable domains. Functional antigen binding sites can however also be formed by heavy chain variable domains (VH) alone. In vivo, such binding sites have evolved in camels and camelids as part of antibodies, which consist only of two heavy chains and lack light chains. Analysis of the differences in amino acid sequence between the VHs of these camel heavy chain-only antibodies and VH domains from conventional human antibodies helped to design an altered human VH domain. This camelised VH proved, like the camel VH, to be a small, robust and efficient recognition unit formed by a single immunoglobulin (Ig) domain. Biochemical, structural and antigen binding characterisation properties of both camel VH domains and camelised human VH domains suggest that these can compete successfully with single chain variable domain (Fv) fragments from conventional antibodies in many applications. Of special importance in this respect is the use of such VH domains as enzyme inhibitors, for which they seem to be better suited than Fv fragments. This function appears to be closely related to their often very long third hypervariable loop, which is central for antigen recognition in their binding sites.