Profile of camel in grass field. Image Credit: McKinneMike/iStock/Getty Images

Camel milk, used medicinally for centuries by nomadic people, is the closest to human mother's milk and contains 10 times more iron and three times more vitamin C than cow's milk, according to The Huffington Post. Camels possess unique, powerful immune-system components, which are contained in their milk. Camel milk might potentially benefit disorders including diabetes and autism. As with any natural remedy, consult your doctor before drinking camel milk.

Diabetes

Low-fat camel milk not only contains healthy vitamins and minerals, but also is a rich source of insulin. This milk reportedly has about a quart of insulin in each liter, making it a potential treatment option for diabetics. The Huffington Post cites a 2005 study by India's Bikaner Diabetes Care Research Center that observed the effects of camel milk on type 1 diabetes. Researchers determined that consuming camel milk significantly reduced insulin doses required to maintain long-term glycemic, or blood sugar, control. According to lead researcher Dr. R.P. Agrawal, 500 ml of raw, fresh camel milk daily improves the lives of diabetics due to an insulin-like protein that is absorbed rapidly and does not coagulate. However, Agrawal also states that insulin remains the most efficient treatment for diabetes, unless it is not an option. While research appears promising, additional scientific studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of camel milk for the treatment of diabetes.

Autism

Some camel milk proponents believe that camel milk might benefit people with autism. A study published in the 2005 edition of the "International Journal of Human Development" observed the effects of camel milk consumption, instead of cow milk, on autistic people. Researchers discovered that after a 4-year-old female participant drank camel milk for 40 days, her autism symptoms disappeared. A 15-year-old boy also recovered after 30 days of drinking the milk. In addition, several autistic 21-year-olds consumed camel milk for two weeks and were observed to be quieter and less self-destructive. Though the milk is believed beneficial, insufficient scientific evidence exists to prove the effectiveness of it in the treatment of autism.

Allergies

Camel milk lacks two powerful allergens found in cow milk and contains immune system components that might benefit children allergic to milk and other foods. A study published in the December 2005 edition of the "Israel Medical Association Journal" investigated the effects of camel milk on eight children with severe milk and other food allergies. After failing to respond to conventional treatments, study participants consumed camel milk under the direction of researchers. Daily progress reports indicated that all eight children fully recovered from their allergies with no side effects. In fact, researchers stated that results were spectacular when compared with traditional treatments. Disease-fighting immunoglobulins in camel milk were believed to play a key role in reducing allergic symptoms; however, additional scientific research is needed to sufficiently prove the effectiveness of camel milk in treating allergies.

Immune