Goat Milk vs. Human Milk: Nutritional Comparison & Infant Safety

The organization naturalchildbirth.org feels that goat milk should be consumed by goat kids only. It quotes a claim in the publication Midwifery Today that goat milk has less energy and more calcium than human milk and is not advised for human children. The National Association for Child Development disagrees, however.

Calcium

• According to naturalchildbirth.org, goat milk has four times the level of calcium as human milk. The excess calcium can cause kidney problems in children.

Carbohydrates

• Goat milk contains about 60 percent of the carbohydrate level found in human milk. This contributes to low energy levels in goat milk.

Nurturing

• The National Association for Child Development says goat milk compares to mother's milk in chemical balance, which promotes the nurturing of the child.

Digestibility

• The NACD website says goat milk contains magnesium, which it makes it easier to digest. It also reports that the milk is high in vitamins.

Brain Development

• Phosphorus, an essential element for brain development, is found in goat's milk, according to the NACD Web site. The group suggests this makes goat's milk the best food available for brain development in children.