Keywords camel milk - cow milk - chronic diseases - hematological markers - renal and hepatic
markers
Introduction
Camel milk is quoted as “The White Gold of the Dessert.”[1 ] Camel milk has an opaque white appearance, a subtle sweetish odor, a strong flavor,
and can be salty at times.[2 ] Finely homogenized fats present throughout the milk is responsible for its opaque
white color, while the taste varies due to the type of feed used and the quality of
drinking water for milking animals.[3 ] Camel milk has remained a source of nutrition and energy for communities in arid
and semiarid areas of Africa, Middle East, and Asia.[4 ] Its output is 2.9 million tons per annum worldwide[5 ] and its products are consumed by around 6 billion people globally, contributing
majority from the developing countries.[6 ]
Camel milk is used as milk or in the form of yogurt in Pakistan.[7 ] In north-eastern Balochistan, Pakistan, the most commonly manufactured products
from camel milk are kurth (cheese), dahi (yoghurt), and lassi (sour milk).[8 ] High contents of lactoferrin and α-lactalbumin in camel milk, and absence of β-lactoglobulin
give it a similarity to human milk.[9 ] Studies showed that camel milk provides nutritional value superior to bovine milk
and is considered analogous to human milk, thus making a good replacement for human
milk in the times of need. Moreover, in contrast to cow's milk, camel's milk holds
significantly higher mineral contents including Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Zn, Cu, Na, and
the vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, C, and E.[10 ] Vitamin C concentration of camel's milk is two to three times higher when compared
with cow's milk.[11 ] High acid contents anticipate comparatively low pH which supports its prolonged
storage without forming a cream layer.[12 ]
Camel milk has tremendous therapeutic properties as it is nonallergic, antidiabetic,
antihypertensive, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, and antiulcer. Camel milk enhances
immune defense mechanism due to the presence of bioactive proteins including immunoglobulins,
lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, peptidoglycan recognition protein, and whey
acidic protein.[13 ]
[14 ]
[15 ]
[16 ]
[17 ]
[18 ] Due to its medicinal benefits, camel milk has received a lot more attention in recent
years as a substitute for milk and dairy products. Curative properties of camel milk
are claimed to be associated with its composition, mainly the proteins, peptides,
low sugar and cholesterol, fewer lactose and fat contents, high unsaturated fatty
acids, and higher concentration of insulin.[19 ]
[20 ]
[21 ] In camel rearing regions, camel milk is a traditional remedy for type 2 diabetes.[22 ] In Rajasthan, India, camel milk consumption had shown a significant effect on prevalence
rate of type 2 diabetes.[23 ]
As hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has turned out to be a global health concern,
the patients in Egypt frequently use camel milk as an alternate therapy.[24 ] Lactoferrin in camel milk had antiviral effect against genotype 4 HCV that relates
to lactoferrin inability in inhibiting virus entry into leucocytes.[25 ] Lactoferrin is also a defense agent on the cell surface against mucosal infections
as it inhibits viral adherence and penetration into host cells, inhibits virus interactions
with heparan sulfate receptors, binds host cells, and prevents nuclear localization.[26 ] It has previously been reported that consuming 250 mL of camel milk each day for
4 months improves liver functions such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate
transaminase (AST) in HCV patients.[24 ] Camel's milk higher in vitamin C levels are significant from nutritional perspective
and potent higher antioxidant activity.[12 ] Studies on animal models with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4 )-induced hepatic and renal changes have shown ameliorative effect of camel milk.[27 ]
Preventive effect of camel milk has attracted the interest of researchers to comprehensively
explore the therapeutic potential of camel milk. This study was therefore planned
to identify the effect of long-term consumption of camel milk on renal and hepatic
health of the camel nomad's population and susceptibility of the camel milk consumer
to risk of chronic diseases was compared with cow milk consumers.
Materials and Methods
Study Design
This observational cross-sectional study was planned to evaluate the therapeutic role
of long-term camel milk consumption on the risk of hepatic and renal disorders in
nomads from different areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. The targeted sample population
included agricultural workers, laborers, and animal rearers. Among them, the people
consuming camel and cow milk since childhood were preferred. The age group was kept
25 to 55 years for both males and females, and participants younger than 25 and older
than 55 years were excluded from the study. Subjects with noncommunicable diseases,
that is, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases were included, while pregnant
and lactating mothers were excluded.
The study protocol including the study questionnaire was approved by the Bioethical
Committee of the Faculty of Agricultural Science & Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan vide approval no. 01-2021. All selected participants
were informed about the purpose of study, nature of the information being collected,
and methods of the data collection including blood sampling, anthropometric and dietary
assessment. For respondents who agreed to be part of the study, written consent was
taken prior data and blood sample collection.
Subject and Site Selection
Nomads were selected from Nag Shah 30°11′52″N 71°28′o11″E and Head Nou Bahar Fatima Town 30°9′41″N 71°30'14″E, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan and cow milk consumers were selected
from Mauza Kayan Pur Multan 30.2249°N, 71.6540°E, Punjab, Pakistan. Fifty-one participants of all genders
in age between 25 and 55 years having at least 3-year history of camel milk consumption
were selected for the study, 26 subjects were camel milk and 25 were cow milk consumers.
Gender differentiation of the camel milk consumer was 50% males and 50% females, whereas
the sample population from cow milk group was with 40:60 male to female ratio. All
participants were asked for the average amount of camel and cow milk they consumed
per day.
Demographic and Nutritional Assessment Data Collection
Demographic survey, hepatic and renal biomarkers were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively,
respectively, via simple random sampling technique. Self-designed proformas were developed
in consultation with data analyst from Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, as predesigned
proformas were not covering all aspects of the study. The questionnaire included information
such as traits name, age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic status, subject's physical
appearance, dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire), health history, contemporary
health status, and current weight and height for body mass index (BMI). Health history
was also taken into consideration, to check if the subjects were suffering from noncommunicable
diseases in the past, reports were analyzed as whether the subjects had been affected
recently by some disease and were taking any treatment. Complete diet history was
recorded focusing primarily on their existing milk consumption patterns to explore
whether subjects had been consuming camel or cow milk, the duration, quantity, and
form (raw, boiled, etc.) of milk. Food frequency checklist was designed according
to basic food groups and beverages. Food groups included meat, cereals, dairy, fats
and oils, fruits, and vegetables ([Tables 1 ] and [2 ]) ([Figs. 1 ] and [2 ]).
Fig. 1 (A–F ) Demographic, nutritional, and dietary status of camel and cow milk consumers.
Fig. 2 (A–F ) Dietary status and disease prevalence data of camel and cow milk consumers.
Table 1
Frequency distribution for the meal patterns of camel milk consumers
Servings
Meat
N (%)
Dairy
N (%)
Cereals
N (%)
Pulses
N (%)
Fruits
N (%)
Vegetables
N (%)
Fats and oils
N (%)
Beverages
N (%)
Never
1 (3.8)
–
–
1 (3.8)
6 (23.1)
–
–
–
More than once a day
–
17 (65.3)
26 (100)
–
1 (3.8)
8 (30.7)
26 (100)
15 (57.6)
2–3 times/wk
8 (30.7)
–
–
12 (46.1)
8 (30.7)
8 (30.7)
–
5 (19.2)
4–6 times/wk
–
9 (34.6)
–
7 (26.9)
1 (3.8)
10 (38.4)
–
5 (19.2)
Once a week
17 (65.3)
–
–
6 (23.1)
10 (38.4)
–
–
1 (3.8)
Table 2
Frequency distribution for the meal patterns of cow milk consumers
Servings
Meat
N (%)
Dairy
N (%)
Cereals
N (%)
Pulses
N (%)
Fruits
N (%)
Vegetables
N (%)
Fats and oils
N (%)
Beverages
N (%)
Never
–
–
–
1 (4)
3 (12)
–
–
–
More than once a day
–
22 (88)
25 (100)
–
2 (8)
2 (8)
24 (96)
20 (80)
2–3 times/wk
8 (32)
–
–
10 (40)
9 (36)
12 (48)
–
2 (8)
4–6 times/wk
2 (8)
3 (12)
–
3 (12)
3 (12)
10 (40)
1 (4)
2 (8)
Once a week
15 (60)
–
–
11 (44)
8 (32)
1 (4)
–
1 (4)
Collection of Blood Samples
Syringes (3 mL) and blood collection tubes (EDTA vials and clot activator vials for
serum analysis) were used for blood sample collection. For hepatic and renal markers,
diagnostic kits were purchased from DiaSys Diagnostic System, Germany. Serum analysis
for renal and hepatic parameters was performed on Blood Chemistry Analyzer; Model-
BioSystems BTS-350, Spain, as per kits protocol. A trained nursing staff was engaged
to collect blood samples from the respondents. Blood samples were collected in accordance
with the standard method; 3 mL of the collected blood was shifted to a vacutainer,
kept in icebox, and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 5,000 rpm for serological analysis.
Blood samples were processed for complete blood cell (CBC) count, while serological
samples were tested for hepatic and renal functioning. Serological testing was performed
on Blood Chemistry Analyzer; BTS-350 using diagnostic system kits, in accordance with
manufacturer's guidelines and 1 mL of blood sample was run on the hematology analyzer
for CBC count.
Hematological and Serological Analyses
Hematological parameters tested were hematocrit, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood
cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular
volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophils,
monocytes, and eosinophils. Hepatic parameters examined were albumin, total bilirubin,
cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, AST and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and
renal parameters urea and creatinine.
Statistical Analysis
All analyses were performed in triplicates. The technique used for statistical analysis
of data was two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA was done by using Statistix
8.1 to find significant and nonsignificant effect of the parameters of blood. Fisher's
least significant difference test was performed to separate the means. Analysis results
were presented as mean ± standard deviation and the level of significance was set as p < 0.05.
Results
Demographic Variables of Selected Participants
Age of participants was in range between 25 and 55 years in both the camel and cow
milk consumer groups. Gender distribution data for camel milk consumers indicate 38%
of the participants were male, while 27% were female, whereas 20% males and 48% females
constituted cow milk consumer group. Age distribution data suggest 15% males and 8%
females were in age between 36 and 45 years in camel milk group. The proportion of
male and female in cow milk consumer for same age group was 16 and 8%, respectively,
46 to 55 years males from camel milk group were 4% and females were 8%, and males
from cow milk group were 4% and females were also 4%.
BMI of Selected Subjects
Most of the participants' BMI was normal. Among male camel milk consumers, 12% were
underweight, 27% were of normal BMI, 12% were overweight and results from females
showed that 8% were underweight, 38% were normal, and 3% were overweight. BMI for
male cow milk consumers represented 8% as underweight, 28% were normal, and 4% were
overweight. As in case of females, 4% were underweight, 40% were normal, and 16% were
overweight.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in the Subjects
Among selected subjects, some had noncommunicable diseases, that is, diabetes, hypertension,
and heart diseases. High rates of hypertension and heart disease were present contemporarily
in males, whereas diabetes percentage was comparatively high in females. Frequency
distribution of the chronic diseases in camel milk respondents was diabetes (8%, 12%),
heart disease (8%, 0%), respectively, in males and females and hypertension 12% in
both genders. Frequency distribution of cow milk consuming male and female respondents
with reference to prevalence of chronic diseases was diabetes (4%, 12%), hypertension
(12%, 8%), and heart disease (8%, 0%), respectively.
Milk Consumption Duration and Patterns
Considering camel milk consumer group, 27% males and 19% females were consuming camel
milk since childhood, 12% males and 19% females were taking camel milk for more than
20 years, 8% males and 3% females had a consumption duration somewhere between 10
and 20 years, 4% males and 8% females had less than 10 years of camel milk as part
of their diet. Thirty-two percent males, 44% females had cow milk since childhood,
4% males and 8% females had more than 20 years intake, 4% males and 8% females had
10 to 20 years period of cow milk intake. There was no participant from cow milk group
under less than 10 years category.
Thirty-one percent of camel milk consumers, that is, males reported two cups of camel
milk in their daily diet, whereas 42% of females had same serving size in their daily
dietary pattern. In cow milk group, males' daily input of milk is 4, 24, 12% and females'
milk intake was 8, 40, and 12% for three cups, two cups, and one cup accordingly.
It was identified from the milk consumption data that size of daily camel milk serving
was significantly higher than cow milk consumption among two groups.
Dietary Intake Frequency of Camel and Cow Milk Consumers
Approximately, 27% of male camel milk consumers have a history of three meals a day,
while 23% consume two meals, and 31% of females consume three meals and 19% had two
meals per day. Among cow milk consumers, 20% of males had three meals and 20% had
two meals, and 44% of females had three meals and 16% had two meals each day. Different
food groups were added in self-designed proforma to analyze their food intake which
concluded that the sample population was not consuming a balanced diet due to lack
of resources with an average low monthly income, that is, 15,000 to 20,000 PKR. Highest
dietary intake of camel and cow milk groups was from dairy, cereals, and fats and
oils which they take more than once a day followed by pulses and vegetables at second
highest, two to five times/week and then fruits and meat intake of both groups were
at least, majority of them consuming once a week ([Tables 1 ] and [2 ]).
Group and Gender-Based Mean Concentration of Hematological Markers
The data presented in [Table 3 ] indicate a significant difference between cow and camel milk consumer females for
eosinophil levels that were higher in camel milk consumer female subjects than their
counterparts having 2.92% mean eosinophil count. Mean hematocrit count was found nonsignificant
for milk type; however, there was gender difference indicating females to have relatively
low hematocrit count. A similar response was also observed for mean hemoglobin levels.
Significant (p < 0.05) differences among camel and cow milk consumer groups were also observed for
MCH, MCHC, and MCV levels. Comparatively higher mean values of MCH, MCHC, and MCV,
that is, 29 pg, 32.8 g/dL, and 89.6 fL, respectively, were recorded in the male camel
milk consumer group than females of the same group and the cow milk consumers. This
suggests camel milk consumption anticipates RBCs modulatory response better than cow
milk. Findings from the hematological studies also identify nonsignificant differences
in total leukocyte count and neutrophil levels indicating both types of milk do not
anticipate any undesirable or toxicological effect on prolonged consumption. Platelet
count of the camel and cow milk consumers differed significantly with the highest
count in cow milk consuming females, yet the values were in normal range.
Table 3
Mean concentration of hematological parameters in camel versus cow milk consumers
Parameters
Gender
Cow
Camel
Eosinophils, %
Male
2.70ab ± 1.41
3.76a ± 1.73
Female
1.80b ± 0.94
2.92a ± 0.86
HCT, %
Male
45.80a ± 3.73
46.46a ± 3.75
Female
37.34b ± 2.81
36.15 b ± 4.18
Hb, g/dL
Male
15.33a ± 1.87
14.30a ± 0.96
Female
11.32b ± 1.16
11.11b ± 1.19
Lymphocytes, %
Male
31.90a ± 5.36
29.15a ± 7.44
Female
27.80a ± 6.98
29.23a ± 8.28
MCH, pg
Male
25.55b ± 3.59
29.00a ± 2.30
Female
22.76c ± 3.55
23.07bc ± 3.06
MCHC, g/dL
Male
31.15b ± 1.98
32.76a ± 1.36
Female
30.36b ± 1.58
29.84b ± 1.86
MCV, fL
Male
82.34b ± 7.21
89.61a ± 7.22
Female
74.71c ± 8.45
77.07bc ± 8.56
Monocytes, %
Male
4.10bc ± 4.10
6.30a ± 3.30
Female
2.66c ± 2.66
4.38b ± 1.50
Neutrophils, %
Male
61.30ab ± 61.30
60.46b ± 10.42
Female
67.86a ± 67.86
63.23ab ± 8.71
Platelets (× 103 /µL)
Male
261.30b ± 261.30
192.69c ± 50.48
Female
330.47a ± 330.47
288.77ab ± 19.05
RBC (× 106 /µL)
Male
5.55a ± 5.55
4.85b ± 1.34
Female
4.99ab ± 4.99
4.73b ± 0.45
TLC (× 103 /µL)
Male
8.32a ± 8.32
7.97a ± 1.64
Female
9.12a ± 9.12
7.99a ± 1.46
Abbreviations: Hb, hemoglobin; HCT, hematocrit; MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin;
MCHC, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; MCV, mean corpuscular volume; RBC,
red blood cell; TLC, total leukocyte count.
Note: Mean values sharing same letter in a column and row are nonsignificant (p ≥ 0.05).
Effect of Cow and Camel Milk Consumption on Hepatic and Renal Markers
Data in [Table 4 ] present the effect of camel and cow milk consumption on hepatic and renal parameters.
There were nonsignificant (p > 0.05) differences in serum creatinine, serum urea, and serum albumin levels between
both study groups. However, camel milk consumer males had significantly higher total
serum protein, that is, 17.4 g/dL, while the cow milk consumer males were observed
with 11.1 g/dL total serum protein content. The results thus, indicate camel milk
consumption to not mark an indifferent effect on main renal parameters except total
serum proteins which were higher than the counterpart.
Table 4
Mean concentration of hepatic and renal parameters in camel versus cow milk consumers
Parameters
Gender
Cow
Camel
ALP, U/L
Male
274.10a ± 84.26
223.46ab ± 66.06
Female
214.20ab ± 75.36
201.85b ± 67.90
AST, U/L
Male
34.90a ± 7.53
27.07ab ± 8.40
Female
25.80b ± 8.07
30.38ab ± 15.24
Albumin, g/dL
Male
4.43a ± 0.70
4.24a ± 0.56
Female
3.46b ± 0.99
4.39a ± 0.73
Cholesterol, mg/dL
Male
173.10a ± 39.99
177.00a ± 37.27
Female
185.47a ± 38.12
196.54a ± 47.60
Creatinine, mg/dL
Male
1.15ab ± 0.40
1.62a ± 1.18
Female
0.87b ± 0.15
0.95b ± 0.23
Triglycerides, mg/dL
Male
146.50a ± 50.53
107.85a ± 69.59
Female
99.27a ± 66.49
116.54a ± 84.43
Urea, mg/dL
Male
28.40ab ± 8.90
34.30a ± 16.50
Female
26.53ab ± 11.23
23.61b ± 6.42
Total bilirubin, mg/dL
Male
0.38a ± 0.20
0.23a ± 0.11
Female
0.60a ± 0.39
0.57a ± 0.96
Total protein, g/dL
Male
11.10b ± 4.17
17.38a ± 3.90
Female
9.66b ± 2.63
15.23a ± 3.60
Abbreviations: ALP, alkaline phosphatase; AST, aspartate transaminase.
Note: Mean values sharing same letter in a column and row are nonsiglnificant (p ≥ 0.05).
Discussion
This study was designed on the basis of existing claims supporting camel milk ameliorative
role in hepatic and renal illnesses. Several researches have shown a significant effect
of camel milk on hepatic and renal biomarkers of hepatitis patients in rat's model
with CCL4 , aluminum chloride, diethylnitrosamine (DENA) induced hepatic toxicity.[28 ]
[29 ]
[30 ]
[31 ] Our results demonstrated a significant effect of camel milk consumption on some
hematological parameters contrary to earlier findings. Our results identified nonsignificant
changes in the rate of hepatic and renal disease prevalence among camel and cow milk
consumers.
Most researches claim a significant effect of camel milk based on animal model, as
there is no other alternative.[32 ] In biomedical science, animal models in particular and animal testing in general
are insufficient basis for predicting clinical outcomes in humans.[33 ] Animal models are observed under a controlled environment that might be a contributor
toward significant results. Other reasons might be an inadequate understanding of
the model-specific background of the disease, sensitivity and functional/anatomical
variations among species. Concerns may arise from drug-induced studies, and is a probable
factor of intrusion in regard to findings of animal researches. It is undeniable that
not all conventional and alternate medicines that are effective in animals are also
effective in humans and an animal's ailment is never exactly the same as of the human,
and more crucially, the cause is never the same, either. As a result, a treatment
for an animal's disease can be ineffective in human model.
Hamed et al (2017) concluded that CCL4 treatment caused hepatic lesions with histopathological changes and oxidative damage
in mice but according to them, camel milk's pretreatment could be a useful strategy
to avoid CCL4 toxicity as camel milk can regenerate hepatocyte membrane integrity. In another study,
DENA 200 mg/kg and phenobarbitone 500 ppm in drinking water in rats group had initiated
and promoted hepatocarcinogenesis, respectively. The study showed camel's milk antioxidant
effect with cisplatin use to reduce hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister male rats.[34 ] Hussein and Al-Eknah (2014) designed their study to check the protective effect
of camel milk and urine (in prophylaxis or treatment) in male rats against CCL4 intoxication and pointed that camel's milk and urine potential protection opposed
to CCL4 -induced damage.[35 ]
Importance of camel milk cannot be neglected, but it might be possible that a controlled
environment of animal testing here showed significant results. To strengthen the translational
effect of animal studies and to overcome their nonconclusive outcomes, validation
of the model, appropriate management of controls and close attention to scientific
experimentation, disease symptoms inductions, and critical data analysis are mandatory.
Almahdy et al (2011) conducted a research in which HCV is directly interacted with
camel's milk casein protein and mixed with different types of cells; casein was incubated
with cells and then exposed to HCV. HCV preinfected cells were treated with different
casein concentrations at different time intervals. In above-referred study, noninfected
cells were used to rule out apoptotic and cytotoxic response of camel milk casein.
The results conclude that casein of camel milk with or without α lactalbumin did not
show anti-HCV activity.[36 ]
Until now, several clinical investigations have examined whether certain CBC characteristics
are linked to particular diseases or could serve as indicators for specific pathological
states. Öztürk et al (2018) believed that the main contributors to these parameters'
popularity are their low cost, ubiquitous availability, and infection diagnosis. In
the present study, CBC markers such as MCH, MCHC, and MCV of camel milk consumers
were significantly different from cow milk consumers. Comparatively, higher mean values
of MCH, MCHC, and MCV, that is, 29 pg, 32.8 g/dL, and 89.6 fL, respectively, were
recorded in the male camel milk consumer group than females of the same group and
the cow milk consumers. These parameters predict that subjects have lesser risk of
chronic infections and diseases in the future related to liver and kidneys. According
to human evidence, MCH and MCV are interrelated and are valuable blood parameters
to identify blood disorders, including iron deficiency anemia.[37 ]
The nonsignificant effect of type of milk and gender on hemoglobin status in this
study showed that most of the females of both groups were at risk of iron deficiency
anemia, as they were mainly relying on milk as a source of energy. The data from food
frequency questionnaire showed that iron-rich food intake was limited in daily diets
of camel and cow milk consumers ([Tables 1 ] and [2 ]). The majority of selected subjects were animal rearers and laborers. Poor economic
status, history of multiple pregnancies, and illiteracy are candid contributors to
nutritional inadequacies including anemia. Several findings at the national level
represented most females of reproductive age as anemic. According to Pakistan's national
nutritional census, 41.7% women of reproductive age (15–49 years) are anemic, with
a slightly higher prevalence rate of 44.3% in women from the country's 221 rural areas.[38 ] Apart from camel milk, a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in alleviating
micronutrient deficiencies and noncommunicable diseases. Meat and fruit consumption
of the subjects was very limited to once a week. Likewise, sanitation and hygiene
practices in residential settings of the study's subjects were extremely poor.
Total protein results of the current study showed a significant impact of camel milk
consumption compared with cow milk consumption. Sarfraz (2014) has examined the supplementation
effect of camel milk on blood biomarkers and liver functions of hepatitis patients.
According to this research, camel milk was found to be useful in lowering high levels
of liver enzymes AST, ALP, and ALT; it also enhanced the levels of albumin, total
proteins, lymphocytes, and platelets in sick people. Camel milk, on the other hand,
has the capacity to lower increased levels of bilirubin and globulin. Contrarily,
our results identify no influence of camel milk consumption on lymphocytes and platelet
levels as well as on AST, ALP, and ALT.[30 ]
As mentioned earlier, commonly prevailing communicable diseases in the sample population
were diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Prevalence rate of diabetes, hypertension,
and heart disease were 8 versus 12%, 12 versus 8%, and 8 versus 0% in camel milk consumer
males and females, respectively. Camel milk's antidiabetic properties have been confirmed
in dozens of clinical research. Within camel-rich regions, the use of its milk is
a tradition to treat diabetes.[21 ] Consuming camel milk for 3 months, type I diabetic patients needed 30% less insulin.
Additionally, after 1- and 2-year trials, the long-term effectiveness and safety of
camel milk as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of type I diabetes was validated.[23 ]
[39 ]
[40 ] In Rajasthan, India, a society that consumed camel milk had considerably lower diabetes
prevalence than a community that did not consume it.[23 ]
Currently, hypercholesterolemia is also a major growing concern related to numerous
life-threatening conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.
Lately, it was found that bioactive peptides generated from camel milk had the ability
to suppress some enzyme markers involved in hypercholesterolemia.[41 ] According to several recent studies, camel milk peptides and hydrolysates may have
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor effects,[42 ]
[43 ] anti-inflammatory effects, and antidiabetic activities.[41 ] Although many human and animal studies revealing camel milk preventive properties
have been conducted till date, yet authenticity of the therapeutic claims linked to
camel milk consumption is a question to be answered. Although our study entertained
a small sample size and has been constrained to a sample population from one region.
The results on long-term consumption of camel milk by the camel milk nomads demand
better quality of data and valid information generation on the therapeutic effects
of camel milk in human subjects. Therefore, more intense research providing strong
evidences in favor to its benefits especially its role in chronic diseases prevention
and to overcome this study gaps is needed.
Conclusion
This study concludes that camel milk impact on some hematological parameters is significant,
whereas contrary to the earlier findings, our results identified nonsignificant changes
in disease prevalence among camel and cow milk consumers as observed from liver and
kidney parameters of study subjects. Above-stated results had indicated the mean of
hematological parameters MCH, MCHC, and MCV, that is, 29 pg, 32.76 g/dL, and 89.61fL,
respectively, to be significant among camel milk consumers group. Comparatively, higher
mean values of MCH, MCHC, and MCV in male camel milk consumers than females of same
group were observed. Mean total protein concentration was significantly higher in
camel milk consumer group, that is, 17.38 g/dL. Creatinine, albumin, ALP, AST, urea,
triglycerides, and total bilirubin parameters had shown both group and genderwise
nonsignificant results. As many studies showed camel's milk role in chronic disease
prevention, there is a need to learn more about its nutritional, chemical composition,
and therapeutic characteristics/medicinal values. Future studies can be designed for
larger human sample sizes from different areas, targeting populations with higher
prevalence rates of chronic conditions to exhibit the potential health benefits of
camel milk.
