Ask the Expert: Is Goat Milk Right for Your Child?

Pasteurized goat's milk are safe to be consumed for children above 12 months. Raw goat milk, as with raw cow's milk comes with potential contaminants and potential adverse health issues such as indigestion and severe bacterial infections.

Pure goat's milk are safe to be consumed for children above 12 months (or 1 year) old. However, other factors such as palatability and nutrient profile must also be considered to integrate goat's milk into a daily nutrition of a child. If smelly and palatability is a concern, you can start with introducing your child with goat milk formula. The taste of formula milk is not as strong as pure goat's milk. Try asking for samples before you commit to purchasing a can. Certified infant formula goat's milk is safe to be consumed for infant (those under 1 year old)

As water is removed, the calorie and nutrient density is understandably higher per weight of the food. Lactose content (and carbohydrate) may drop varyingly, where lactose sensitive people might have a better tolerance towards the yoghurt or cheese. Types of protein and fatty acid profile also changes. Folate, vitamin A and vitamin E as well as some other nutrients such as calcium and sodium can also change - the degree of which can also be determined the further processing involved.

Goat's milk contain more fat than cow's milk. Additionally, the types and proportion of the fat also differs. With enough servings and incorporation of fats from other food - goat's milk can support the brain development as with cow's milk. In terms of energy, the main source of nutrient used is carbohydrate where fat act only as the secondary source, Which means that fat doesn't play the major role here for energy. In other aspect, ensure that the child receive enough folic acid for energy maintenance.

Goat's milk and cow's milk are typically similar in its presence of vitamins and minerals, with the exception of vitamin C, which is present in goat's milk at a minute amount compared to almost none or zero in cow's milk. The differences exist in the relative concentration of nutrients, where goat's milk have a relatively higher amount of protein, fat, calories, calcium, several vitamin Bs, phopshorus, potassium, magnesium, chrolide and significantly higher vitamin A. While cow's milk have a relatively higher amount of sodium and B12, with a significantly higher amount for folic acid. Additionally, goat's milk are more easily digested compared to cow's milk. Breed of animals, their care and their feeds can also affect the end product of both animals.

Goat's milk have a different taste profile compared to cow's milk - mainly that goat's milk may taste fattier, less sweet with a less creamier mouthfeel and more likely to have a grassy, earthy or ''goaty'' taste. The smell will also be different. All in all, differences exist across brand and processing. The smell particularly might be unconventional (earthy), so masking it with a sweet essence or flavoring such as vanilla may be helpful. The inherent taste of it can also be altered to better suit the child's preference. Flavorings such as chocolate and strawberry can be added, but be mindful of the sugar content. Formula goat milk will have an enhanced flavor to improve acceptance rate. Try asking for samples before you commit to purchasing a can.

Goat's milk are generally easier to digest due to its different protein and fat property. However, a further medical look and investigation is advised to determine the root cause of the digestive issues.

Pasteurisation (not homogenization) does negatively affect (reduce) the nutritional value of any milk in general, but not in a significant amount. In view of safety, pasteurization of milk always offer the upper advantage over non-pasteurized milk. Any (insignificant) reduction of the nutrients can easily be offset through the incorporation of a standard complete and balanced diet.

Formula milk (either goat's or cow's) are by standard is precisely formulated to ensure that the respective (age) of consumer gets the best value and proportion of the nutrient for their development and health. In some regards, they are fortified with nutrients to fill up the gaps that comes from their original source. In essence, formula milk is the ''improved'' version of the respective milk. However, there are some inherent factors that stay through in the formula such as the easier digestibility and hypoallergenic properties of goat's milk, as compared to other types of milk.